Insider: 3 Canadiens Defensemen Becoming Trade Candidates

Jayden Struble, Montreal Canadiens defenseman

The depth on the Montreal Canadiens' blueline continues to mount. And with it, the possibility of a trade from that depth to address their need in the top-six.

A report from Habs insider Marco D'Amico in rg.org indicates that while teams have been calling GM Kent Hughes on Kaiden Guhle, he has no intention whatsoever of trading the currently-injured d-man. Rival GMs "have been met with an immediate denial." The combination of physicality and defensive awareness that he brings to their blueline is unrivaled, even in a star-filled d-corps.

However, there are some blueliners that should become trade candidates as we progress through the next couple of months, D'Amico writes.

It really does feel like a decision will have to come between (Adam) Engstrom, (Jayden) Struble, and (Arber) Xhekaj eventually... There are teams that have significant appreciation for Xhekaj, some for Struble, and some for Engstrom. So, if ever a can’t-miss top-six player does become available, and the Canadiens want to make a big swing, as they did this summer with Noah Dobson, they’ll have the assets to do so.

Engstrom, Struble and Xhekaj become trade candidates for Habs

As for Engstrom, the 22-year-old was dominant in Laval earlier this season, racking up 14 points in 18 games with a plus/minus rating of +8. He only recently made his NHL debut and has played just two games with Montreal, so the Habs still want to see what they've got in the 6-foot-2, left-shot d-man. He was a third-round choice in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Adam Engstrom on his IG:

“Dream come true, playing my first NHL game with Montreal! Thanks to the people around me for the support and help along the way to get here!” pic.twitter.com/7cwZ7tq1uk
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 30, 2025

Struble, the former second-rounder (2019), is now 24 and in his third season. He has often been paired up with Lane Hutson on the second-pairing in the absence of Guhle, who is out for a significant period after adductor surgery.

Xhekaj, of course, is one of the most intimidating and feared d-men in the league.

One or more of them might have to go if the Habs are to take a big swing at the trade deadline. But until then, says D'Amico, they have the luxury of time, and will wait to see how things unfold amongst this group.