NHL rumors: Canadiens looking to deal Josh Gorges
The Montreal Canadiens are willing to trade defenseman Josh Gorges, reports TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The Toronto Maple Leafs have already been one of the teams to reach out concerning Gorges, though McKenzie says no Canadian teams are on the list of teams he can be traded to.
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Gorges, 29, has been with the Canadiens since 2007, when the team acquired him from the San Jose Sharks in a midseason deal. That trade proved to be a raging success for Montreal, as they also landed a first-round pick in the trade and used it to select Max Pacioretty in the 2007 draft.
Now signed to a six-year, $23.4 million contract that doesn’t expire until 2018, Gorges has been a long-term piece for the Canadiens, though that’s in question now. After locking up P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov this offseason, Montreal could have some nice stability on the defensive side going forward if it wants.
Gorges played 66 games in 2013-14, recording one goal and 14 points. Never a prolific offensive player, he’s always made his name by being an aggressive, smart defensive player who positions himself well and blocks lots of shots.
As part of his contract, Gorges has listed 15 teams that he will accept trades to. All of those teams are in the United States, which makes it unlikely a team like Toronto or Ottawa would be able to get a deal to go through. And while the salary may be affordable, don’t be surprised if the lengthy term of Gorges’ deal turns off some potential suitors, particularly when the free agent market is about to open on July 1.