Canadiens' trade idea for 34-year old forward would require cutting ties with Patrik Laine

The Montreal Canadiens have a talented bunch.

That doesn't mean they couldn't get better by the time the early March NHL trade deadline rolls along.

That's the premise of The Athletic's Chris Johnston in a new article in which he writes that the Canadiens should seek out a deal for Predators forward Jonathan Marchessault.

"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," Johnston writes. 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."

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Marchessault has a full no-movement clause in his contract, so if he's set to be traded, he'll have to like the place he's landing, and it seems like Montreal would fit that bill.

He's not the player he once was. This season, the 34-year old Marchessault has 10 points in 28 games (seven goals and three assists).

But he also hasn't been playing in the best situation in Nashville, and a move to a team like Montreal would both energize the new player and his new teammates.

There's a lot of time until the deadline, so this isn't necessarily something that would happen quickly.

But as the clock ticks toward trade season, Marchessault could see his name involved in a move back up north.

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