Montreal Canadiens Exploring Trade Possibilities; Washington Capitals Not Interested

The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly exploring the market as they try to unload some of their players up front.

Aware that they have a crowded frontline that includes Jonathan Drouin, Evgenii Dadonov and Mike Hoffman, the Canadiens have allegedly reached out to the Washington Capitals--a club that is now dealing with manpower issues.

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic claimed on TSN's Insider Trading that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has been calling up several teams that included the Capitals on a potential trade.

"Certainly, on paper, you can see why the two teams want to talk, LeBrun said. "And I'm told there has been communication with the Habs."

With Washington now down to only six forwards, no imminent trade appears to be happening.

LeBrun explained that Washington would rather test their depth than outsource for players who can fill up their forward void.

Among the players who are out for the Capitals include Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, T.J. Oshie, Connor Brown, Carl Hagelin, Beck Malenstyn and John Carlson.

"For now, Washington is intent on looking at their internal options," LeBrun stated. "Whether that's Connor McMichael or Sonny Milano they just signed. For now, Washington wants to look at that."

With Carlson, Oshie and Malenstyn on the injured reserve and Brown on the LTIR, Washington called up Milano, Garrett Pilon and Lucas Johansen from the AHL's Hershey Bears to fill in the void.

McMichael and Joe Snively, players who made the opening night roster, saw action for the Capitals against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, November 3.

The Capitals suffered a 3-1 loss to the Red Wings in the process.

Meanwhile, the Capitals bowed to the Winnipeg Jets, 3-2, in the final contest of their four-game road trip.

The game marked the return of Joel Edmundson, relegating Chris Widerman to the sidelines as the 29-year-old teamed up with Arber Xhekaj and had a solid game.

Edmundson returned after a long battle with a back injury, playing a regular shift, blocking shots and leading rushes to have an outstanding night.

With the Capitals opting to go a different route to address their concerns, the Canadiens may have to wait and hope that other NHL teams bite.