Imminent trade between the Canadiens and Blues: Possible according to McGuire

PUBLICATION

David St-Jean
July 18, 2024 (8:50 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

It's often said that one person's misfortune is another's gain, and that could very well be the case between the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues.

Indeed, Blues defenseman Torey Krug is struggling with arthritis and might need surgery, potentially causing him to miss the entire season. The Blues don't have much quality depth on defense, and their current defensemen are aging.

You see where I'm going with this. The Canadiens have a surplus of defensemen, many of whom are on the market. Pierre McGuire and Jimmy Murphy recently discussed this situation, focusing on one particular player.

"I'll tell you what I would do if I were the GM in Montreal. I would trade one of my defensemen and I wouldn't want five assets in return, I want just one player: Jimmy Snuggerud.

If they want to make a trade [for a defenseman], that's the guy I want. I don't want anyone else, I want just one thing and that's him."

- Pierre McGuire

Snuggerud is a solid forward who scored 21 points in 13 games at the last World Junior Championship. He also had two good seasons in the NCAA, with 50 points in 40 games and 34 points in 39 games.

Kent Hughes wants to add some punch to the offense, while the Blues are in a tough spot and need to acquire a defenseman, preferably a young one.

This would be the best of both worlds for the Canadiens and for a player like Justin Barron, Jayden Struble, or Jordan Harris. One of them could have the opportunity to get more ice time elsewhere.