The Montreal Canadiens could be one of the most aggressive teams this trade deadline to bolster their roster.
Heavy.com has a trade pitch that sees the Canadiens acquiring Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues in a blockbuster deal.
Canadiens acquire:
Blues acquire:
- David Reinbacher
- Michael Hage
- Patrik Laine
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2026 third-round pick
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster, and it would prove Montreal is going all-in to try to win the Stanley Cup. Montreal would acquire Thomas who would be a part of the team for multiple years, while the Habs give up two draft picks, two top prospects, and Patrik Laine to make the salaries work.
The Canadiens would acquire Thomas, who could very well be dealt ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. Thomas is in the third year of his eight-year, $65 million deal, and he fits in nicely with the Habs core. He would be the team’s second-line center, as center is a key need for Montreal, and adds some more offense. Thomas has recorded 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points in 43 games this season.
In return, the Canadiens would give up a first and third-round pick this year, as the third is so St. Louis takes on Laine’s deal. A big part of the return is Hage and Reinbacher. Hage was selected 21st overall in 2024, and he has 45 points in 34 games at Michigan this season.
Reinbacher, meanwhile, was selected fifth overall in 2023 but isn’t the top-tier prospect he once was. A change of scenery could be needed, and he could likely step into the Blues lineup right away.
Canadiens Have to Trade Laine
Although the package feels like a lot, Montreal gets out of Laine in the trade, which is why the Habs also have to add a third-round pick.
Laine is in the final year of his four-year, $34.8 million deal. The former second overall pick has been injured for most of the season, and the Canadiens need to trade him before the team can make more moves.
Canadiens reporter Eric Engels of Sportsnet reported Montreal needs to get money off the books before any trades can happen.
“We would expect the Canadiens to need to retain up to half of Laine’s prorated $9.1-million salary to get the remainder of his expiring $8.7-million cap hit off their books,” Engels wrote. “But coupling that sacrifice with an asset to move him doesn’t appear to be on the table. According to league sources who confirmed his name has been out there.
“We’ll see if that changes if Laine hasn’t been traded by deadline day. Although Gorton wouldn’t touch the subject, he did acknowledge something might need to be subtracted from the Canadiens, regardless. If not to clear cap space, then to clear the logjam at the bottom end of the roster.”
Laine has skated in just 5 games, recording 1 assist this season.
‘Decent Chance’ Thomas is Dealt at Deadline
With the Blues likely to begin a rebuild, Thomas’ name has come up in trade rumors.
Although Thomas has a no-movement clause, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes a trade could very well happen.
“I actually believe it could happen. There’s a decent chance that Robert Thomas could be traded by the deadline. … I think it actually could potentially happen (before the trade deadline), and I have to say, I’m a bit surprised about that,” Friedman said on Saturday Headlines. “I think it’s heated up around him a bit.”
If Thomas is made available, several NHL teams will be interested in him.
Trade Pitch Sees Canadiens Acquiring $65M Star in Multi-Player Blockbuster