Canadiens scouting the Blackhawks
Charlie Roumeliotis of NBC Sports Chicago: The Montreal Canadiens have been heavily scouting the Chicago Blackhawks as well as their AHL in Rockford. Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has scouted Blackhawks this season – including this past Sunday – and has been seen at Rockford games.
The Canadiens are believed to looking for a left-handed defenseman and the Blackhawks have a surplus of them. Erik Gustafsson is a pending UFA and the Blackhawks haven’t held any talks with him according to a source.
Potential defensemen targets for the Canadiens
Sportsnet: The Montreal Canadiens are fine down the right side of their blue line with Shea Weber, Jeff Petry, and Cale Fleury. They could use some help down the left side.
Looking at some potential trade targets for Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin.
Shayne Gostisbehere – Philadelphia Flyers – His play has dropped the past couple of seasons and has been a healthy scratch this year.
Cam Fowler – Anaheim Ducks – The Ducks could be making more changes and Fowler could be a top trade piece for future assets. Could play on the top or second pairing.
T.J. Brodie or Oliver Kylington – Calgary Flames – Brodie’s medical situation may mean he remains with the Flames this season. He’s recently been moved from the 3rd to 1st pairing, so if they want to hold on to him, Kylington could become a target. He may not be an established name that the Canadiens could be looking for.
Juuso Riikola – Pittsburgh Penguins – May not be much of an upgrade over Brett Kulak. The acquiring cost wouldn’t be as high as some others. Elliotte Friedman reported back in October that the Canadiens looked at Riikola.
Erik Gustafsson – Chicago Blackhawks – The 27-year old is a pending free agent. He had 60 points last season and played over 22 minutes a game. Blackhawks could ask for draft picks or prospects for him.
