NHL Holiday Roster Freeze Could Impact Canadiens Trade Options

Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman brought up the Montreal Canadiens as potential goaltending trade partners during a segment that aired on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday night.

A few teams continue to search for goaltenders on the NHL’s trade market, including the Carolina Hurricanes and the Los Angeles Kings.

“The goaltending market has become hotter for a few reasons,” said Friedman. “The Carolina Hurricanes put Antti Rantaa on waivers. They’re looking around. The L.A. Kings have Pheonix Copley getting an MRI. The belief is he’ll be out for a little bit of time. They might look for a backup for Cam Talbot.”

Friedman also mentioned the Edmonton Oilers as a team that is “taking a look at things”.

MUST READ: Top NHL Teams That Should Trade For A Canadiens Goaltender

Given they have three goaltenders currently among the top 32 in the league for goals saved above expected, the Canadiens were brought up as one of the best fits for a trade.

But they’re not the only team that may end up moving a netminder.

“Montreal, obviously, they have an extra goalie,” said Friedman. “But also Spencer Martin in Columbus. They have an extra goalie too.”

Roster Freeze Looming

The NHL’s holiday roster freeze was put in place to ensure players could enjoy a modicum of stability throughout the holiday season. It takes effect Wednesday, December 20, at midnight and runs until Thursday, December 28.

During the freeze, teams cannot trade, wave, or loan players.

The holiday schedule is one of the reasons behind the uptick in interest for goaltenders in the NHL, but there are other contributing factors.

The Montreal Canadiens are set to embark on a seven-game road trip which lasts until January 4, complicating trade discussions further since the team would have to ensure they have two goaltenders in the lineup on any given night.