The Montreal Canadiens have started this season with a bang. While they lost their first match against old rivals Toronto, they have since been in top form. Their defense has been one of the best in the league, thanks to the addition of Noah Dobson.
Meanwhile, their front has been prolific, with the duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield driving their offense. However, while the franchise has shown interest in boosting its offense with a Bruins center, an insider warns Montreal not to rush this decision.
Why Should The Canadiens Wait Before Trading For Pavel Zacha?
The Canadiens entered this season as the youngest team by average age, and while they had reached the playoffs last season, a lot of people remained skeptical. But what the team has done so far has removed any shred of doubt from fans and experts alike.
Across 11 games, the Canadiens stand with a record of 8-3 with no overtime losses at the top of the Atlantic Division. While Nick Suzuki leads the franchise in points (16) and assists (14), Caufield has led the charge in offense with nine goals so far.
However, recent rumors suggest that while the Canadiens are performing well, GM Kent Hughes would like to add some more depth to their top six. No immediate decisions are being made, but a couple of names are already top trade targets for the franchise.
Boston’s Pavel Zacha seems to be at the top of that list. Insider Marco D’Amico agrees that the center would suit Montreal. He mentioned, “To be clear, between Kadri/Danault/Zacha, I think Zacha would be the best fit in terms of quality/price.”
But he also clarified that they shouldn’t rush with this decision. “Zacha is cheaper and good for two years, and then Michael Hage. But I persist; as in the column, the CH has the luxury of being able to be patient and find the perfect fit,” he wrote.
D’Amico believes that while Zacha brings the capability to score and assist, it would be more beneficial for the Canadiens if they wait and see how things look at the trade deadline. According to him, if they get Zacha, they will have a great 2C option in place of Kirby Dach.
While reports suggested that Dach would be ready before the current season, he has yet to be medically cleared. In his absence, the Canadiens are using Joe Veleno as the 2C, but so far, Veleno hasn’t impressed with his play.
Zacha, meanwhile, has been impressive this season with 11 points in 13 games and currently only trails David Pastrnak in points. Not to mention, with the Bruins struggling this season, many believe that if their playoff window closes early, they might pull the plug on Zacha and the others.
D’Amico understands that multiple names might soon be available for trade at the trade deadline in March, so it will be better for the Canadiens to be patient.