Montreal Canadiens Place Two Top Assets on the Trade Block

The NHL summer is going to be sizzling. As June draws near, many teams have already completed or are in the process of having pro scouting meetings.

Next week's focus shifts to Buffalo for the NHL Scouting Combine, a very significant event where general managers and agents begin making the foundation for the offseason roster changes.

This off-season brings a big change: the salary cap is jumping to $95.5 million. That increase creates more fiscal space throughout the league, readying the pump for an active trade season.

Many clubs have roster needs that will not be satisfied by free agency alone, so trades become a likely avenue of action.

The Montreal Canadiens are among the teams poised to do something, NHL insider Chris Johnston suggests they would trade one of their two mid-first-round picks, Nos. 16 and 17, and defenseman Logan Mailloux, if it means making a big splash.

Montreal has built a strong pipeline of young talent, particularly at defense, and may prefer to use assets to address more immediate roster needs. Another center is also said to be a priority.

The team is not likely to use both first-round picks on June 27 in Los Angeles unless the right opportunity presents itself.

Mailloux, 22, played effectively for the AHL's Laval Rocket and had two goals in seven late-season NHL games on a call-up.

With a cap hit of only $875,000 until 2026 (RFA), he's a quality trade option in the correct move, especially with Montreal's depth-affected blue line. The time is ripe for movement, and the Canadiens seem poised to participate.