The Montreal Canadiens are a team that will likely look different from now until opening day puck drop in about a month's time. They are still attempting to add to their lineup, but they face a couple obstacles at the moment.
For one: The team has been looking to add another top 6 forward to their group, preferably a 2nd line center. The second problem the Canadiens face is in regards to their salary cap situation, they do not have the space currently to make the moves they desire.
Caleb Kerney of Heavy Sports has proposed a mock trade that could potentially solve both issues for Montreal. In this hypothetical deal, the Canadiens acquire the 2C they have been wanting from San Jose in exchange for a poor contract off their hands and draft capital.
Canadiens acquire: Alexander Wennberg
Sharks acquire: Carey Price, 2026 3rd rounder
Why would Montreal make this trade?
By moving Carey Price's contract, the Canadiens open up the necessary cap space they need to bring another forward piece into the equation. The best part of this deal for them is they would not have to make another one, the Habs solve both problems in this 1 move. Wennberg is a solid and reliable 30-40 point scorer in the prime of his career who could be the upgrade they need at the center position. He is also responsible on both ends of the ice, which is something the Canadiens will need come playoff time if they continue to progress this year.
For San Jose, the deal appears to make little sense for them at first. But when you dig into the weeds, the move becomes beneficial for them as well. By bringing on Price's salary, this gives San Jose the cap flexibility that will keep them above the cap floor if they wish to dump some of their own bad contracts down the line. They do part with a consistent middle 6 forward in Wennberg, but the 3rd round pick provides compensation. And Wennberg might not be a player the Sharks need anymore if Michael Misa makes the jump to the NHL this season.
Overall, it's an intriguing trade idea that seems to make sense for both parties. We'll see what happens soon as a Price trade appears on the horizon.