Not a surprise -Trade Pitch Has Canadiens Acquiring $17 Million Defenseman in Intriguing Deal

Trade Proposal Sees Canadiens Acquiring $17 Million Defenseman in Compelling Move

The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to potential trade discussions, with one proposal suggesting they acquire a top-four defenseman.

According to the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, a user proposed a trade that would send Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Canadiens.

In this proposed deal, the Canadiens would receive:

• Connor Murphy
• A fourth-round pick in 2025 from the Rangers

The Blackhawks would get:

• Justin Barron
• Sean Farrell
• A second-round pick in 2025 from Pittsburgh

This trade makes sense, as Montreal would gain a defenseman to bolster their lineup, while Chicago would add younger talent to aid in their rebuilding process.

At 31 years old, Murphy is in the second year of a three-year, $17.6 million contract. He could serve as a solid top-four defenseman for Montreal, known for his strong defensive play while also contributing offensively. Last season, he notched 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in 46 games.

The centerpiece of the return for Chicago would be the second-round pick and Barron. The 22-year-old defenseman has the potential to step in for Murphy on the Blackhawks’ blue line and fits well with their rebuilding strategy. Barron played 48 games last season, scoring 7 goals and adding 6 assists for a total of 13 points.

Farrell, also 22, is currently playing in the AHL and would likely continue in that role with Chicago. However, he could be called up to play on the third or fourth line if needed due to injuries.

Canadiens Seeking Top-4 Defenseman

With a start of 4-5-1, general manager Kent Hughes is actively seeking to strengthen the Canadiens’ defense.

TSN’s NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported on ‘Early Trading’ that Hughes has begun reaching out to assess trade possibilities.

“I’ve been informed, after speaking with various teams around the league, that GM Kent Hughes is making calls to gauge what might be available,” LeBrun stated. “The Canadiens are open to making a move to shake things up and help the team secure more victories.”

Following LeBrun’s update, NHL insider Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com noted that the Canadiens are particularly focused on acquiring a top-four right-shot defenseman.

“GM Kent Hughes has been checking around the league for prices on a top-four, right-shooting defenseman. The asking price is steep, which means no immediate deals are on the horizon,” Seravalli reported.

The Canadiens have not made the playoffs since the 2019-20 season.

Murphy’s Name Recurs in Trade Discussions

Connor Murphy’s name has surfaced in trade talks since last season, and that trend has continued into the current one.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned that Murphy is a player to keep an eye on for potential trades this season.

“A player that I think people will consider is Connor Murphy,” Friedman said on the Oilers Now show. “Last year, many teams expressed interest in him.”

Friedman noted that Murphy’s injury last season derailed any trade discussions. However, if Chicago finds itself out of playoff contention again by the trade deadline, Murphy’s name will likely resurface in conversations.