While a number of teams would surely have interest in the 26-year-old, despite a hefty contract that runs through the 2022 season, it seems he could end up playing for a franchise in rebuilding mode and not with a club looking to make a run at the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year.
Mark Fishman of Yard Barker has this potential move as the top trade story in hockey, but with just two days left in the trading period, something would need to happen quick for this to become reality.
Dave Stevenson of Fan Sided has gone out on a limb and suggested Toronto could be the team that makes the move for the young defender. The Maple Leafs are currently looking to rebuild the franchise from the ground up and while sending two or three players and a couple of draft choices to Montreal seems rushed, building this team around a star player would be a great public relations move, especially for the long-suffering fans of this team.
The trade would have Jake Gardner, Kasperi Kapanen, and Leo Kamarov and a second round pick headed to Montreal in a deal that could workout for both franchises.
Toronto would get a new face for the franchise and help on the back line, something this team sorely needs. The Canadiens would get some depth added to their squad, plus lose a big contract, freeing up salary cap space and allowing the front office to add help in other areas of need.
Both of these franchises are having an off year and while a shakeup won’t necessarily make an immediate impact, it is a move that could help both sides down the road and become more consistent in their efforts to win a championship.
