Blockbuster trade between the Canadiens and the Jackets involving two highly promising young players? It was just proposed by a former NHL employee

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MarcO
November 4, 2023 (9:34)

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There are already many trade rumours and speculations circulating on the web, especially here in Montreal, so we have to be selective, but here's an interesting one.

What stands out is that it doesn't come from a Montreal journalist; it comes from a former National Hockey League employee! That's significant.

Here is her post.

"A team close to competing for the playoffs and in search of a young impact player could be a perfect fit for Kent Johnson. There are certainly a few that come to mind.

Or perhaps a young player for young player trade? Slafkovsky+ for Kent Johnson?"

- Rachel Doerrie

She is referencing the huge rumor that Johnson might be available for trade in Columbus.

We don't believe it's going to happen. Let's be clear on that.

However, for the sake of discussion and because it comes from a reputable source, let's analyze it.

Would it be interesting for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens to construct a trade involving Juraj Slafkovsky and Kent Johnson?

It would remind people of the Pierre-Luc Dubois/Patrik Laine trade.

First off, they are two very different players.

Kent Johnson is a "skills" player, purely offensive, coming from the NCAA, somewhat in the mold of Trevor Zegras or Logan Cooley.

He is undoubtedly better than Slafkovsky offensively at this stage, but that can always change in a few years.

Johnson, a 5th overall pick in 2021, scored 40 points in 79 games last season and 3 points in 8 games this season. He's 21.

Slafkovsky, the 1st overall pick in 2022, scored 10 points in 39 games last season and 1 point in 10 games this season. He's 19.

In any case, rumors that Kent Johnson is requesting a trade are becoming more and more frequent and credible. He even changed agents.

Should Kent Hughes give a courtesy call to the Columbus Blue Jackets? Absolutely!

Is it worth trading Slafkovsky for him? It's not the worst idea in the world, but again, we highly doubt the CH management would do that (even if it might be an interesting avenue).

And you, what do you think? We're very curious to read your take on her proposal.