Montreal Canadiens' president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton, is evaluating all options as the NHL trade deadline approaches. With the team ranked sixth in points percentage, Gorton acknowledges their growth despite challenges such as injuries and youth. He emphasizes the importance of not rushing into trades that could jeopardize their long-term goals, while remaining open to acquiring players that contribute to both immediate success and future development. The Canadiens are set to maximize current opportunities without compromising their rebuilding strategy.

By the Numbers
  • Canadiens are 32-17-8 after 57 games this season.
  • They rank sixth in the NHL in points percentage.
State of Play
  • The Canadiens are outperforming expectations, showcasing depth and resilience.
  • Young players like Oliver Kapanen and Noah Dobson are exceeding roles originally anticipated for the team.
What's Next

As the trade deadline approaches on March 6, Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes are prepared to make strategic moves if beneficial players become available. However, they remain cautious, indicating that they may opt to stand pat if no suitable options arise. Future prospects, including 2024 first-round pick Michael Hage, could be integrated post-deadline.

Bottom Line

The Canadiens are focused on maintaining their upward trajectory, balancing immediate needs against long-term goals. Gorton’s cautious optimism suggests the team is evolving positively, and they are prepared to act strategically if the right opportunities present themselves.