Washington Capitals: Five Teams That Could Trade For Evgeny Kuznetsov

Montreal Canadiens

Now that we’ve talked about one of the teams in the semi’s lets talk about the teams Vegas was playing. Montreal has had a bit of a miraculous run to this point. The fourth place team in the North division was down 3-1 to the Maple Leafs in the first round before rallying to win in seven games.

They then beat up the Winnipeg Jets 4-0 and here we are, they’re heading to the Stanley Cup Final.

This team shut down the offense from Toronto and did the same thing to Vegas. This team is winning thanks to defense and goaltending. They don’t need much if any help on defense. Thanks to this run I don’t think it’s out of the question they try to make a move for a bigger offensive player.

Right now their center depth looks like this, Danault, Suzuki, Kotkaniemi, Staal. Danault, Kotkaniemi and Staal are all without contracts next season. We’ll see how that plays out in the summer.

While they are playing well this postseason there is no center on this team that has the talent that Kuznetsov has. Imagine a top line of Tyler Toffoli, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Cole Caufield. Or maybe swap Toffoli with Jonathan Drouin and put Toffoli on the second line?

If I was making this list before the playoffs started I doubt I put the Canadiens on it. Maybe after a run like they are on they think they are closer to contending? If that’s the case maybe they try to go after an Eichel or Kuznetsov.

Also who wouldn’t want to play in Montreal in front of those fans? However, if Kuznetsov were to put in his lack of efforts there that would not fly as well as it is in Washington. While Montreal is an attractive city, he would have to put in work there. But I’d have to imagine Montreal wouldn’t be on his 15 team no trade list.