NHL Trade Rumors: Canadiens & Predators Linked to Big Trade

The Nashville Predators are going to be entering sell mode, where the Montreal Canadiens will be buying all day long, and these two teams have been linked to a trade by one of the biggest hockey insiders in the game.

The Athletic's Chris Johnston sees the Canadiens as a perfect landing spot for Predators' veteran forward Jonathan Marchessault. The 34-year-old winger has three seasons left on his contract at $5.5 million AAV, and owns a full no-movement clause.

This is a move that would certainly sit well with Marchessault, which is important given the fact he’s got that NMC in his contract. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner would bring some experience to the NHL’s youngest roster and should be able to add offensive pop to the Habs’ top-six forward group.

Facilitating a trade for Marchessault would necessitate some money going out the door, with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit the most obvious candidate to go. The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fanbase.

Marchessault is struggling to find consistency this season, which is a common theme with the Predators in general. He's scored seven goals and added three assists in 28 games this season. Marchessault is averaging 16:46 of ice-time per game, including almost three minutes per game with the man advantage.

Marchessault is certainly on the trade block, there's no doubt about it. If the Canadiens don't land the former Stanley Cup champion, look for the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning to have serious interest ahead of the trade deadline.

A warm round of applause for Jonathan Marchessault in his first trip back to @TMobileArena! ⚔️

Once a Misfit, always a Misfit. pic.twitter.com/CzbrhNmKWW
— NHL (@NHL) April 13, 2025