NHL Trade Rumors: 3 Montreal Canadiens offseason trade candidates

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is looking to take a giant step forward next season and all the heavy lifting is going to take place this offseason. Hughes has two first-round picks to consider moving, along with one second and two thirds. The Habs also have a number of players who could use a change of scenery. 

Here's three prime trade candidates heading into the offseason as Hughes is immersed in trade conversations leading up to the NHL Draft:

Christian Dvorak

After being acquired for a first and second-round pick in 2021, it hasn't worked out quite as planned for Dvorak in Montreal. A slew of injuries and some inconsistent offensive production, with one season left on his contract at $4.45 million we could be seeing Dvorak shipped out by Hughes this summer. Dvorak owns a eight-team no-trade clause and last season, posted just nine points in 30 games. This coming after 28 points in 64 games the year prior, and 33 points in his first 56 games with the Canadiens. It hasn't worked out and it's time for a change.

Josh Anderson

Hughes only has just over $9 million in projected cap space heading into free agency and a big reason is because there's a few Canadiens' forwards who are making too much money. Anderson is one, he's signed through the 2026-27 season at $5.5 million against the cap annually. His trade protection goes down to just five teams come July and after a season of just 20 points in 78 games, it's going to take quite the sweetener for Hughes to anyone to bite.

David Savard

While Hughes doesn't intend to move Savard, there very well could be a trade offer he can't refuse. The right-handed defensive defenseman has done a great job mentoring the young Canadiens blue line and with just one season left on his deal at $3.5 million, it's either time for a trade or an extension. Savard is one of the best at blocking shots and could really help out any penalty kill unit he joins. The veteran blueliner doesn't have any trade protection, however it's likely Hughes does him well and gets him involved in the trade talks once things advance to the offer stage.

photo credit:  Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports