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NHL Trade: Oilers acquire David Desharnais from Canadiens for Brandon Davidson

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Montreal Canadiens center David Desharnais (51) attempts a shot on goal in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche defeated the Canadiens 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Montreal Canadiens center David Desharnais (51) attempts a shot on goal in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche defeated the Canadiens 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers have traded defenseman Brandon Davidson to the Montreal Canadiens for David Desharnais. 

Going into the NHL trade deadline, the Montreal Canadiens were a team to watch. With a struggling team, general manager Marc Bergevin is desperate to improve his squad. However, he’s been quick to upgrade his defense. That’s precisely what he did on Tuesday night. The Edmonton Oilers have traded defenseman Brandon Davidson to the Canadiens for center David Desharnais.

“I would like to thank David for all his years as a Montreal Canadien,” said Bergevin, via NHL.com. “He developed and matured within our organization providing valuable services. We wish him the utmost success with the continuation of his career.”

This trade solves a need for both teams. The Canadiens wanted to get rid of Desharnais for several reasons. First of all, he’s a bit surplus. Desharnais has a $3.5 million cap hit and has been a healthy scratch as of late with Montreal liking their other centers more. He’ll be a free agent after this season.

For him, the Canadiens are getting a quality defenseman in Brandon Davidson. The Oilers would have had to risk losing him for nothing in the expansion draft this offseason. Davidson is under contract through next season and has a $1.425 million cap hit.

In 28 games this season, Davidson has just one assist. However, he’s a season removed from 11 points in 51 games. Davidson battled injuries this season and last season, so the Canadiens are banking on him staying healthy. Meanwhile, Desharnais has 10 points in 31 games.

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Edmonton’s been looking for a center to help them with their depth. Desharnais solves this need. Giving up Davidson, however, is a bit of a steep price to do so. But Edmonton likely has the defensive depth necessary to do it without missing him too much.

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