Montreal Canadiens sidestep costly trade as Kaiden Guhle remains with team amid Jordan Kyrou interest
The offseason saw the Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues engage in a significant trade, highlighted by the exchange of former first-round picks Zack Bolduc and Logan Mailloux. This one-for-one deal has generated excitement on both sides, marking a noteworthy transaction in the league. However, emerging details suggest that this swap was just the tip of the iceberg in discussions that initially hinted at a much larger exchange.
The Near Trade for Jordan Kyrou
Throughout the summer, Jordan Kyrou’s name was frequently mentioned in trade rumors, particularly in connection with the Canadiens. It appears that Montreal came close to acquiring the talented winger on multiple occasions. Analyst Marco Normandin revealed on a recent episode of the “Poolcast” that the proposed deal would have involved a significant price—defenseman Kaiden Guhle.
Normandin stated, “From what I had heard, there really were discussions. At first, it was a bigger transaction. Mailloux and Bolduc were included and all that, but they couldn’t come to an agreement on the Kyrou part, so they just completed the part involving Bolduc and Mailloux. But from what I’m told, from a fairly well-informed source, it would have cost Guhle if they wanted Kyrou.”
Kyrou’s Contract Situation
Kyrou, who is entering the third season of his eight-year, $65 million contract extension signed with the Blues in 2022, recently saw the activation of his no-trade clause on July 1. This development complicates the landscape for any potential trade, as it gives Kyrou greater control over his future.
Canadiens’ Depth at Wing
While the addition of Jordan Kyrou would have undoubtedly bolstered the Canadiens’ offensive capabilities, the team’s existing depth at the wing position made the prospect of trading Guhle unappealing. With standout talents like Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, Patrik Laine, and Juraj Slafkovsky already in the fold, bringing Kyrou on board could have resulted in a congested lineup, creating challenges in balancing ice time and roles.
Future Trade Possibilities
Although the current trade talks have cooled, the door remains open for future discussions between the Canadiens and Blues. For now, the decision rests with Kyrou, who holds the power to approve any potential move. As the season approaches, both teams will be monitoring the situation closely, leaving the possibility of revisiting trade discussions on the table.
