Scouting the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers …
Stu Cowan: Scouts listed to attend yesterday’s Canadiens-Oilers game: San Jose Sharks (2 – including GM Doug Wilson), St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette: A weakness for the Montreal Canadiens is at center. The Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators and New Rangers are other teams in the East that lack a premier offensive center.
The best center that could be available before the trade deadline is Colorado Avalanche’s Matt Duchene. The asking price is reportedly a high-end young defenseman, a first round pick and a top prospect. So for the Canadiens it would likely cost Nathan Beaulieu, a first and a top prospect.
Arizona Coyotes Martin Hanzal may be a better fit for the Canadiens. The Canadiens might have to give up Michael McCarron to land him.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
The Fourth Period: The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t really interested in the rental market, but it doesn’t mean they will be quiet at the trade deadline. They’ve been involved with multiple trade talks, but have an eye for the long-term success.
Tyler Bozak, James van Riemsdyk and Nazem Kadri have received some interest. GM Lou Lamoriello isn’t ruling out trading Bozak or van Riemsdyk, but he’s not in rush to move either. Both Bozak and JVR have a year left on their deals.
JVR has move trade value than Bozak. The Leafs have depth at center, so trading Bozak may be easier.
The Maple Leafs are interested in improving their blueline.