Upcoming trade between the Habs and the Canes? A source confirms an interest and names are mentioned
Several Canadiens defensemen are currently in the trade rumors. Ben Chiarot, Jeff Petry, Brett Kulak and even Chris Wideman could all leave the organization by the March 21 trade deadline.
It seems, according to what the Montreal Hockey Now site tells us, that the Canadiens' defensive brigade is followed closely by the Carolina Hurricanes. According to sources, they confirmed it, the Canes have already sent scouts and will send others when the Habs returns from their trip to the West.
A few days ago, Canes GM Don Waddell sent a memo to teams like the Canadiens, who still have defensemen available before the NHL trade deadline.
According to CapFriendly, Carolina has just over $1 million in assets. space under the salary cap. If the club does indeed take the contract from Chiarot ($3.5m) or Jeff Petry ($6.2m), a salary will likely join the Habs roster. Could it be Jesperi Kotkaniemi?
Recent rumors, released by Renaud Lavoie, mentioned that it was not mad love between KK and Rod Brind'Amour. So much so that the Canes thought of not extending their contract with the young man.
However, these rumors were denied by Frank Seravalli. The TSN journalist mentioned for his part that a contract extension was in negotiations.
If KK isn't part of the deal, Montreal Hockey Now thinks Jesper Fast, who is on a $2 million salary for another year, could join his former boss Jeff Gorton in town.
One thing is certain, it will take more than KK or Fast if the Canes take on Chiarot or Petry. To date, Carolina has no first-round pick in 2022, which already belongs to Habs following the offer sheet made to Kotkaniemi last summer. A young prospect, a bit like what Hughes acquired in the Tyler Toffoli trade, will have to be included. Could this young player be Ryan Suzuki, Nick's younger brother? TBD
