The Montreal Canadiens have reportedly been gauging the trade market for PK Subban, but a deal with the star is very unlikely heading into the deadline.
According to Louis Jean at TVA Sports, the Canadiens have been "gauging the market" regarding a trade for Subban. Jean writes that while he is "not suggesting" the team will deal Subban, one team confirmed that "his name has come up" in talks. Subban is the most high-profile player on the Canadiens and he is just starting an eight-year, $72 million contract with the team.
Subban is one of the top stars in the NHL, and his sizable contract makes him unlikely to be traded. But the Canadiens have been struggling during the second stretch of the season and could consider making a move if the right deal comes along. More speculation has popped up around Subban after coach Michel Therrien benched the defenseman and called him out after making a mistake that led to a game-winning goal against the Avalanche last week.
Darren Dreger at TSN writes that Subban "isn't going anywhere" and that Therrien calling out Subban was met with criticism around the league. Dreger writes that the Canadiens have bigger issues than anything Subban has done and that the team is better off with him than without him on the roster.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Flyers made and offer to Montreal for Subban, but that the team did not feel it was good enough to make a deal. Friedman also said that it is "extremely unlikely" that the Canadiens will trade Subban and that the Flyers "had the biggest offer." Subban responded to the talks with a strong game on Friday, adding two assists and playing over 30 minutes against the Flyers.
Subban now has 46 points this season, including 41 assists. The trade deadline is February 29.
