A bombshell rumour suggests the Canadiens will likely trade Alex Galchenyuk this summer.
- The Galchenyuk trade talk has been simmering for over a year, but it many assumed this was in the category of "interesting but unlikely" trade rumours. Now, it appears a trade isn't just possible, it's probable. Galchenyuk is eligible for salary arbitration, a variable the Canadiens are likely hoping to avoid altogether.
- It shouldn't surprise anyone to hear a Montreal player's name in the trade market given the P.K. Subban deal that shocked the hockey world last summer. Max Pacioretty, Alexei Emelin, Nathan Beaulieu and Tomas Plekanec have also seen their names bandied about.
- Galchenyuk has struggled to establish himself as a center, despite putting up good numbers for the Canadiens. When rumours initially surfaced last year, many assumed it was coach Michel Therrien trying to push him out. Apparently the willingness to move him originates higher up.
- Galchenyuk is sure to generate plenty of interest on the trade market. The Avalanche have expressed interest in the past, but they'll be far from the only team in the mix.
- Galchenyuk shoots up from 5% to 55% on the trade rumour board following this revelation.