NHL Trade Rumors: 5 players Montreal Canadiens must trade for

The Canadiens lack goal scorers and playmakers in their top six. They don’t have any extremely attractive forward prospects either. That’s why the Canadiens need to be bold and take advantage of a very awkward situation in Tampa Bay. Jonathan Drouin wants to be traded from the Lightning so badly that he is no longer reporting to them. Conveniently, he happens to live close to Montreal and it’s quite likely that he grew up as a Habs fan. If nothing else, he at least realizes how much of an honor it would be to play for the NHL’s most storied franchise.

There are some issues regarding Drouin’s character. His arrogance is a legitimate red flag. However, let’s look at the other side of the coin. Drouin isn’t happy in Tampa. The CBA grants younger players very few rights until they are unrestricted free agents. Drouin’s actions are still not defendable, but you can at least understand where he’s coming from. He’s not happy and he doesn’t have many options to get out. This is pretty much his only one.

Jonathan Drouin would give the Montreal Canadiens an exciting young wing who could be excellent for them both now and in the future. He’s an extremely talented player and it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t be happy near his family.

Next: 4. Leo Komarov