Fansided

One player on each NHL team that should be traded

By Jeremy Lambert

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 07: General manager of the Montreal Canadiens Marc Bergevin addresses the media prior to the NHL game at the Bell Centre on January 7, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 07: General manager of the Montreal Canadiens Marc Bergevin addresses the media prior to the NHL game at the Bell Centre on January 7, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 19: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates after scoring a second period goal against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 19: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates after scoring a second period goal against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /

16. player. 152. . LW. Montreal Canadiens. Max Pacioretty

Arguably the hottest name on the market and a guy that the Montreal Canadiens should certainly look to trade. It hasn’t been a great year for Pacioretty, or anyone in Montreal really, but he’s produced six straight 60-plus point seasons. Yes, I’m counting the lockout season, where he scored 39 points in 44 games, as a 60-plus point season.

He’s 29-years-old and have another year left on a contract that pays him $4.5 million.

Ask yourself, before this season, would you rather have Matt Duchene or Max Pacioretty? Both will be free agents at the end of next season. Duchene is owed $1.5 million more. Duchene is two years younger. Pacioretty is more consistent offensively and better defensively. I’m willing to bet that Pacioretty would win the majority vote.

Now, look what the Colorado Avalanche got for Duchene. The Canadiens should expect the same package, if not better, for their captain.

Montreal only needs to trade Pacioretty because they are essentially being forced to trade him. We all know how it works in Montreal. You either produce or you’re gone. Despite being their best forward for the last seven seasons, he’s not producing this year. So, he must go.

Treat yourself with a new Montreal t-shirt from Fanatics.

To me, Pacioretty should be the big prize on the market. He’s more desirable than Evander Kane. He’s had a rough season (who hasn’t in Montreal?), but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad player. He’s a good player who will likely go P.K. Subban when he’s moved to a team that actually appreciates him.

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