Calgary Flames: Hypothetical Flames Trade With Every Atlantic Division Team

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens are in a weird spot right now. They were the 24th ranked team in the NHL standings last season. They have several key unrestricted free agents in a year. So far this offseason, instead of trading them and rebuilding, they added Jake Allen and Joel Edmundson in trades and re-signed 32 year old Jeff Petry a year before he can become a free agent.

So, they are going for it with basically the same team as last year aside from a better backup goalie and another big, veteran defenceman?

The Habs have a lot of big, tough defencemen but not many that can skate the puck and carry it out of their own end. Ben Chiarot, Shea Weber and Joel Edmundson aren’t going end to end any time soon.

One of the Flames lower priority needs is a third pairing right defenceman. With Erik Gustafsson, Brodie, Hamonic, Michael Stone and Derek Forbort all becoming free agents, they could use some NHL ready depth, especially on the right side. They could also use a bigger guy with some sandpaper for that role.

So, they come to an agreement here that sends a better skater who is prone to lapses defensively for a more steady, physical presence who shoots right.