NHL Trade Rumors: Ducks & Canadiens emerging as trade partners

The NHL's trade market is as hot as ever, and it sounds like there could be some more moves coming before the holiday roster freeze. Two teams that could be doing business together in the next week, the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Ducks center Ryan Strome is a prime trade candidate. Strome has battled his way back from injury this season and is struggling. Through 14 games, Strome has scored just once, and added four assists, for five points.

The 32-year-old Strome is under contract through next season at $5 million AAV, and doesn't hold any trade protection. With their core of young forwards, Strome has become expendable.

Ryan Strome, I think that one’s obvious; the team got hot when he was still hurt and everybody kinda lined up their spots; it was harder to find his way back into it. - Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts

Insert the Canadiens. The Habs have been on the market for a middle-six center and it appears they have interest in Strome. Montreal has $3.2 million in cap space, so can make the deal work financially if they move out a contract in the deal.

Kirby Dach could be someone the Ducks take a flyer on, and they'll be in the market for a goaltender, so makes you wonder if they'll try to land one of the Canadiens netminders. Jakub Dobes or Sam Montembeault.

Keep an eye on these two teams as trade talks are heating up.

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images