Penguins & Canadiens Linked To Offseason Trade

While the NHL's offseason has slowed down considerably now that we're into the legit dog days of summer, that doesn't mean there isn't a big trade coming at some point before training camps open in September.

According to multiple reports, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens have held trade discussions around either Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell heading to Montreal. The Canadiens have been looking for top-six help, but prefer to find a versatile forward, who can also play down the middle of the ice if needed. For now, it sounds like the Canadiens are interested in the Penguins wingers, but are holding out to see if a center who can slot into their second line becomes available.

The Canadiens enter August with $9.7 million in cap space and have a couple of restricted free agents left to sign. The Penguins, on the other hand, want to get younger, but also stay competitive, as they've had Rakell and Rust on the trade market for weeks. 

Kyle Dubas and Kent Hughes have been busy this offseason and continue to have trade discussions with other teams, as well. Dubas is open to moving Rust and Rakell, but also has been taking calls on defenceman Erik Karlsson.

Meanwhile, Hughes keeps getting calls on top prospect Michael Hage, but isn't interested in moving the University of Michigan product. Montreal also has goaltender Sam Montembeault, who Hughes is trying to move as carrying three goaltenders to start next season isn't ideal.