It’s no secret that the Montreal Canadiens need a second-line center. Marco Rossi, Mason McTavish, Casey Mittelstadt, and Nazem Kadri are a few of the options that would be of interest. According to a new report, the Canadiens are one of two teams with interest in Boston Bruins center, Pavel Zacha.
Heavy.com has proposed a trade that would see the Canadiens solve their second-line center issues by acquiring Zacha.
Canadiens Acquire:
- Pavel Zacha ($4.75 million)
Bruins Acquire:
- Arber Xhekaj ($1.3 million)
- Oliver Kapanen ($925,000)
This trade would be a significant transaction for both teams. The Canadiens would get their center (unless Sidney Crosby magically becomes available), and the Bruins would get a great young defender who could be a versatile asset.
The Canadiens would acquire Zacha, 28, in this proposal. The 6-foot-3, 208 lb forward was initially drafted sixth overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2015 draft. He recorded 47 points in 82 games for his third season with the Bruins.
In this trade pitch, the Bruins add the physical blueliner, Arber Xhekaj. The 24-year-old was an undrafted prospect who has 165 regular season games of experience under his belt. The 6-foot-4, 240 lb left-handed defender recorded six points and 118 penalty minutes this last season.
Canadiens Have Had Discussions About Pavel Zacha
With the regular season rapidly approaching, new reports are surfacing almost daily. Earlier on September 11, a new report from RG lists the Canadiens as an interested party in the services of Zacha.
“The Canadiens definitely have interest in Zacha and have inquired about him,” James Murphy wrote in his report for RG. “But, they’re not the only team. Several teams — I’m told the Flames are one — continue to express interest in him.”
So the Calgary Flames and the Canadiens are the only confirmed teams interested in Zacha. At least one to three more teams are likely interested, but that is not confirmed.
Canadiens’ Xhekaj Can Be a Useful Player For the Bruins
The above trade proposal lists Xhekaj as the roster player making his way back to the Bruins. However, that might not be what is actually happening.
The RG report above gives a few details on what the Canadiens have been offering as trade bait to upgrade their roster.
“While no names were confirmed,” Murphy wrote. “The source said that Canadiens forward prospects Joshua Roy and Oliver Kapanen, as well as defenseman Jayden Struble, are names that continue to be bantered about in NHL trade chatter regarding the Canadiens’ search for a second-line center.”
“It should be noted that RG has heard Struble’s name connected to the Bruins before.”
This information makes Xhekaj a more likely target. His physically imposing stature will make him a more enticing player, especially for a team like the Bruins.
Earlier in the summer, one Canadiens analyst suggested that the team could utilize Xhekaj in a different role.
“I would very much consider putting Arber Xhekaj as a winger in the National Hockey League,” Brian Wilde said to Tony Marinaro. “If Struble becomes the six (D) and he becomes a winger, that doesn’t bother me at all.”
The Bruins would love to add a gritty player who can play on the blueline or as a forward. Having that kind of versatility should be more than enticing enough for the Bruins to say yes to this deal.
Canadiens Get Better Now By Adding Rumored Player in Trade Pitch