Canadiens Pursue Zacha in Trade Talks with Bruins for Second-Line Center
The Montreal Canadiens are actively seeking to bolster their roster with a second-line center, a position that has emerged as a significant need for the team. Currently, Kirby Dach occupies this role, yet his history of injuries raises concerns about his reliability moving forward. As the start of the NHL season approaches, insiders report that the Canadiens are exploring trade options, specifically eyeing several young forwards to facilitate their search.
Young Talent on the Block
In a recent update, NHL insider James Murphy revealed that Montreal is shopping three promising players: forwards Joshua Roy and Oliver Kapanen, along with defenseman Jayden Struble. “The source said that Canadiens forward prospects Joshua Roy and Oliver Kapanen, as well as defenseman Jayden Struble, are names that continue to be bantered about in NHL trade chatter regarding the Canadiens’ search for a second-line center,” Murphy noted.
Roy, 22, has appeared in 35 NHL games, tallying 6 goals and 5 assists. His potential suggests he could develop into a solid bottom-six forward. Meanwhile, Kapanen, a second-round pick from the 2021 draft, has struggled to secure a full-time role, contributing just 2 points in 18 games last season. This lack of consistency may make him an attractive trade candidate as the Canadiens look to reshape their lineup.
Struble, the 24-year-old defenseman, is entering the first year of a two-year, $2.825 million contract. Last season, he participated in 56 games, registering 2 goals and 11 assists for a total of 13 points. His youth and potential could generate interest from other teams as Montreal navigates its trade discussions.
Interest in Pavel Zacha
As the Canadiens refine their focus on acquiring a second-line center, they have reportedly initiated conversations with the Boston Bruins regarding Pavel Zacha. “The Canadiens definitely have interest in Zacha and have inquired about him, but they’re not the only team,” a source disclosed, mentioning that other clubs, including the Calgary Flames, are also in pursuit.
While a trade does not appear imminent, various scenarios and package discussions are underway. The prospect of the Canadiens making a deal with their historic rivals, the Bruins, adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. Typically, trades between these two franchises are rare, making any potential agreement noteworthy.
Rivalry Dynamics
The pursuit of Zacha, who was previously traded by the Bruins, highlights the competitive nature of the NHL and the evolving strategies of its teams. Should a trade materialize, it would not only bolster Montreal’s second-line center position but also signify a shift in the dynamics of their long-standing rivalry with Boston.
As the Canadiens continue their efforts to strengthen their lineup, the outcomes of these trade discussions remain to be seen, but the stakes are undoubtedly high for a team eager to enhance its competitive edge in the league.
