Why do teams make trades? Nine times out of ten, it will be to strengthen their roster, and in most cases, ahead of a hopeful cup run. Other times teams make a move because a situation with a player isn’t working whether it’s a financial or personnel fit. The Montreal Canadiens have made both kinds of deals so far this season, but given how the books look, they’ll have to make some moves to lighten things up.
This doesn’t have to do with the salary cap. The Habs have $7.47 million left in cap space after signing Ben Chiarot and Nick Cousins.