The Montreal Canadiens may be without the considerable services of All-World netminder Carey Price for the remainder of the 2015-16 NHL season, which could have far-reaching effects on their approach to the looming trade deadline. They won't become sellers - GM Marc Bergevin has expressed confidence in his team and head coach Michel Therrien and unless something radically positive presents itself, it's unlikely any core pieces will be shipped out. But they may not be buyers either, considering Price's injury is likely to keep them from seriously vying for a playoff spot in the East.
In fact, the Habs may end up doing a whole bunch of nothing, despite some obvious needs and continued reports that Bergevin is working the phones like a madman. That last part, in fact, may give fans in Montreal the clearest picture of where things stand - the Canadiens may not end up doing anything, but it won't be from lack of trying.
"I don't know what Marc Bergevin will or won't get done, but based on what I've heard over the course of the season, I think he's tried," Bob McKenzie said Friday, while appearing on Montreal's TSN 690, via Today's Slap Shot. "I don't think it's just been a case like, 'Ah well, Carey's not coming back, so I'm not even going to pick up the phone.'
"They were in hard on Jonathan Drouin... There hasn't been a lot of results on that front, but I don't think it's been a lack of (activity)."
Early on, the Habs were considered one of the top potential landing spots for the embattled Tampa Bay Lightning forward. Drouin made an initial trade request to Lightning GM Steve Yzerman in November and then when nothing came of it, they went public a short time later. Since, Yzerman has been adamant that he's willing to deal, but only at the right price.
And according to recent reports, that price may never be right. Yzerman, who is said to be itching to pull the trigger, has dropped his initial ask of a roster player of similar skill level to Drouin to a top prospect or two. But even that seems too hefty for most of the interested parties.
Drouin doesn't bring a whole lot in the way of size - he's just 5-foot-11, 186-pounds - which is something Bergevin and Co. have been trying to add up front for, well, forever it seems. But he's certainly got talent when it comes to putting the puck in the net, a skillset the Habs would kill to have. That being said, he's not an established NHL player and he comes with plenty of questions and baggage.
Grabbing Drouin at the trade deadline would, presumably, be a move for the future for Bergevin - one of the few trades available that really makes sense for a team that's not likely for a playoff spot, but also not looking at a rebuild.
And really, with Price reportedly out long-term, every potential move is a move for the future now.
