Zach Whitecloud has landed on Montreal's trade radar, giving Martin St-Louis a possible answer for the right side of his blue line.
The Calgary Flames have reportedly made Whitecloud available as they continue reshaping their roster. That decision should get the Canadiens' attention.
Montreal has been linked to the 29-year-old defenseman, while Calgary center Morgan Frost has also surfaced as a potential trade option.
Frost recorded 43 points in 82 games last season. The 2017 first-round pick also produced a career-high 46 points across 81 games in 2022-23.
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He could provide Montreal with a temporary solution down the middle while Michael Hage continues his development. Frost has one season remaining at $4.375 million.
But Whitecloud fits a more pressing roster need. The Canadiens could use another experienced right-handed defenseman capable of handling difficult defensive assignments.
He carries a $2.75 million cap hit for two more seasons, giving Montreal cost certainty without requiring a long-term commitment.
Zach Whitecloud would reshape Montreal's blue line
Whitecloud brings size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, but his value isn't tied to offensive production. He defends the crease, closes shooting lanes and plays a heavy game along the boards.
His career high is 19 points, yet his defensive work stands out. Split between Calgary and Vegas last season, he registered 124 hits and 140 blocked shots.
Whitecloud also brings championship experience. He won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2022-23, recording eight points and a +14 rating across 22 playoff games.
Adding him would give St-Louis another dependable option for defensive-zone starts and penalty-kill minutes. It could also create more favourable deployment for Montreal's puck-moving defensemen.
Lane Hutson would have more freedom to push the pace, while David Reinbacher could receive another full season in Laval instead of being rushed into a demanding NHL role.
Whitecloud could also push Jayden Struble down the depth chart or make another defenseman available. That roster flexibility would matter during a long season.
The acquisition cost will decide whether a deal makes sense. But Whitecloud's handedness, contract and defensive profile make him a natural target for Kent Hughes.
Should the Canadiens trade for Zach Whitecloud?
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