After a little over a month into the 2024-2025 season, it’s clear that the team’s goal of being in the playoff picture will be difficult to achieve.

At the time of writing, Martin St-Louis’ team is among the bottom ranks of the NHL standings, although the team has managed to win a few games recently.

That said, Kent Hughes will need to begin his shopping, as some of his players might interest other NHL teams ahead of the trade deadline.

A reputable insider has identified four players to watch closely until then.

Four Montreal Canadiens players drawing attention on the NHL trade market

According to a report by the site HABSolumentFan, David Pagnotta, a journalist for The Fourth Period, stated that David Savard, Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, and Jake Evans are the Canadiens players most likely to leave Montreal by March 7.

The four players will become unrestricted free agents on July 1, and since the trade market is weaker this year, the chances of obtaining excellent returns for the Canadiens organization are very good.

Starting with David Savard, who, according to some experts, is on the radar of the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers, two teams aiming for the Stanley Cup.

Let’s not forget that Jake Evans is having an excellent season, so much so that some Canadiens fans would like Kent Hughes to sign him to a new contract.

Obviously, we’re talking about depth acquisitions for buyer teams, but the price could be quite interesting, particularly for the veteran defenseman.

One insider even suggested, Hughes could fetch a first-round pick for Savard.

And you, what would you do if you were in Kent Hughes’ position as the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens?