The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly exploring the trade market for star PK Subban, according to a report from Louis Jean at TVA Sports.
Jean reports that while the team is not actively pushing for a trade at the deadline, the Canadiens are "gauging the market" for a deal with Subban. Jean writes that he is "not suggesting" the team will trade Subban, but that one team "confirmed" that the Canadiens are seeing what's out there for a deal. Subban has established himself as one of the best defensemen in the NHL and while it would seem crazy to deal him, Montreal is looking at all of their options as they try and make the playoffs this season.
The Canadiens have been struggling during the second stretch of the season after getting off to a hot start to the 2015-2016 campaign. The team is not currently in playoff position and Subban has been taking some heat after his performance against the Avalanche on Wednesday night.
Subban fell and lost the puck late in the game on Wednesday, which led to the eventual game-winning goal for the Avalanche. According to the Montreal Gazette, coach Michel Therrien said that an "individual mistake cost the game late in the game," speaking about Subban falling and losing possession. Subban has played very well for the Canadiens this season and while he is the best player on the team, the Habs could consider a deal if they get a decent return.
CBC News writes that if the Canadiens trade Subban, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a potential fit. CBC writes that with Subban "on the outs with his coach," there could be a potential chance that the team makes a trade with the star defenseman. It can be a telling sign about the relationship between a star player and a coach when that coach calls out the player publicly and that is exactly what happened with Therrien after the Avs game.
According to CBC News, Marc Dumont at the fansite Habs Eyes on the Prize, is calling this season an "embarrassment" for the Canadiens. While he did not say that the team will trade Subban because of that, the team could consider moves down the line because he feels Montreal has some "major issues" as a team this season.
