5 players Montreal Canadiens must trade for

NHL Trade Rumors: 5 players Montreal Canadiens must trade for

May 19, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Young hockey fans Louka Blaquiere-Renaud (left) and his brother Zakary St-Pierre cheer in front of a Montreal Canadiens logo before the game two against New York Rangers of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The major issue with the Montreal Canadiens is that their wings can’t score. The fact that they can’t even score on the power play makes it even worse. The Montreal Canadiens could kill two birds with one stone if they trade for Scott Hartnell of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jackets are rebuilding and Hartnell hasn’t exactly done much to help his case of staying in Columbus by taking some undisciplined penalties as of late. He has been scratched recently and a trade could be coming soon.

Hartnell would certainly help Montreal’s power play. Entering January 23rd, Hartnell has scored the 17th most power play goals per 60 minutes in the past three seasons. Depending on how cheaply he could be had, Hartnell would be a great fit in Montreal. He isn’t that skilled of a forward, but he remains one of the best power forwards in the league. He’s a guy who isn’t afraid to hang out around the crease and create traffic. That’s something that the Montreal Canadiens haven’t done well this season at all.

Hartnell is starting to age and he is still under contract for three more seasons after this one with a $4,750,000 cap hit. Trading for Hartnell would certainly be risky because of that. However, the Canadiens NEED to be risky right now. Because they can’t afford to miss the playoffs.

Next: 2. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

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