October 25, 2024 | 3:02pm ET
By David Calabretta, TheFourthPeriod.com

HABS EYEING TOP-FOUR DEFENCEMAN

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes

The Montreal Canadiens have been rather underwhelming to start the season, going 2-4-1 in their first seven games. Point totals aside, the Habs have been plagued with injuries on their blueline, beginning with 2023 fifth-overall pick David Reinbacher, followed by Kaiden Guhle and a banged-up Mike Matheson.

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes addressed the logjam on defence during the off-season dealing away Johnny Kovacevic to New Jersey and Jordan Harris to Columbus, however the unexpected amount of injuries has thinned their depth chart on the backend.

On Thursday, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Hughes is exploring the trade market for help on the blueline, while Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli indicated Hughes has been calling teams around the league in search of a top-four defenceman in hopes of “shaking up the roster.”

Keep in mind, the Canadiens’ goal this season was to be “in the mix” of the wildcard hunt in April and the overall understanding in Montreal is that their recent play has been unacceptable, and it is something they are willing to address.

A trade is not considered imminent in Montreal, as the goal is to not jeopardize the future and stick to their plan, meaning the Habs won’t go all out in the trade market at the cost of their young core and pieces coming up. It’s safe to assume that Montreal will be looking for an already solidified presence on the blueline rather than a “project” young defenceman. This is deemed as a short-term solution given their right-hand side has future NHLers with Logan Mailloux and Reinbacher.

It's known how extremely difficult it will be for teams to make a trade this early on in the season, primarily due to salary cap restraints, though Montreal isn’t the only team looking to bolster their squad, joining the likes of Utah, Calgary, Chicago and Nashville.

The next several weeks in Montreal will speak volumes as to the direction of this team in 2024-25, based on their performances, but it’s important to note that Hughes is staying active on the phone lines and is ready to make a splash when the opportunity presents itself.