The Montreal Canadiens could be eyeing a potentially massive trade ahead of the March 6 deadline. Currently, Montreal sits third in the Eastern Conference standings, well within a playoff spot. Despite being in a good place heading towards the home stretch, they have some worrying issues.
The Habs have continued to be one of the most potent offensive teams in the NHL during the 2025-26 season. In fact, they are averaging the third-most goals per game (3.46) in the league. Defensive issues, however, have plagued the Canadiens throughout 2025-26. A lot of the issues regarding the situation have been attributed to Montreal’s group of goalies. Because of this, the club could soon bring in a new netminder in the coming days.
The Athletic recently asked its readers to submit trade proposals involving St. Louis Blues players. The team is likely set to offload multiple stars ahead of the deadline. One particular hypothetical deal involved sending goalie Jordan Binnington to the Canadiens. The veteran has been linked with a move away from St. Louis for months now.
To receive the veteran and a fifth-round draft pick, the reader suggested that Montreal could send Brendan Gallagher, a first-round pick, and a second-round selection to St. Louis. The outlet’s Corey Pronman claimed that the proposal would be enticing to both teams. “Probably the most reasonable one I’ve seen so far,” replied Pronman. “This could get done.”
Montreal Canadiens Would Hope Jordan Binnington Continues his Team Canada Form
GettyJordan Binnington played well for Team Canada during the Olympics in Italy.
Acquiring Binnington would be a fairly big risk for the Canadiens. The veteran has posted a 3.64 GAA and .864 SV% on the current campaign. Both of these figures are in the bottom three among all NHL netminders this season. He has also lost seven consecutive games with the Blues and has just two wins since December 7.
Despite this, Binnington was selected as Team Canada’s starting goalie for the Olympics in Italy. While the move was controversial, he performed well between the pipes on route to a silver medal. Binnington recorded a 1.78 GAA and .917 SV% in five games with Canada. TSN has reported that his stellar play during the competition likely boosted his trade stock.
Perhaps the biggest issue in Montreal’s potential interest in Binnington is that the club has financial restrictions. According to PuckPedia.com, the Habs have just over $1 million in current cap space. Meanwhile, the goalie carries a $6 million AAV cap hit with the Blues. This is why including Gallagher in the proposed deal is essential, as the winger earns $6.5 million per season in Montreal. The two salaries would nearly cancel each other out.
Insider Does not Believe Canadiens Need Another Goalie
Although Pronman likes the hypothetical deal, TSN’s Craig Button insists that the Canadiens do not need another goalie. At the moment, Montreal has Jakub Dobes and Sam Montembeault as options between the pipes. They have also deployed rookie Jacob Fowler in the role, but he is now back with the AHL’s Laval Rocket.
Nevertheless, the trio has not exactly been lights out for Montreal this season. Overall, the Habs have the 10th-worst goalie save rate in the league (.883%). Montembeault, in particular, has been the most disappointing shot-stopper of the group. The veteran has a 3.34 GAA and .875 SV% on the campaign. If a new goalie enters the fray, Montembeault would likely be the odd man out.
Canadiens Potential Move for Binnington ‘Could get Done’