The Montreal Canadiens are going into sell mode after a disappointing season that is still leaving a bad taste in fans' mouths. Center Lars Eller is one of the names that keeps popping up with regards to trade talks recently. After the team's 2-1 loss to Nashville on Monday, Sportsnet's Eric Engels tweeted that Eller was actively being shopped by the Canadiens and that numerous teams were interested.
It's been that kinda night. Spoke with a member of another team's management on the phone; Montreal's Lars Eller is on the market.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 23, 2016
Wording from source was very strong: "Definitely available." Sense was Eller won't come cheap, and several teams interested. — Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 23, 2016
Eller "carries a $3.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons," according to Engels. He would have some value on the market as a checking center. The Canadiens are not moving Tomas Plekanec with his $6 million cap hit for the next two seasons, nor David Desharnais, with an equal $3.5 million cap hit, as he can not be used in as many situations as Eller. A buyout is possible, but not likely, as the Canadiens are already paying P.A. Parenteau $1.33 million on the cap next season because of last summer's buyout.
Defenseman Tom Gilbert was supposed to bring good value to the club and himself by possibly joining a playoff contending team, which would increase his value for his impending unrestricted free agency. Unfortunately, his knee injury prevents this from happening.
Eller is seemingly less useful as well, as the Habs have a younger and cheaper Jacob De La Rose, who has taken up Eller's third line minutes, and gained general manager Michel Therrien's confidence.
"He's a young player and at times we put him at tough positions, I want to see how he's going to react," said coach Therrien on Monday following the team's loss to Nashville, according to the Suburban's Mitch Gallo.
Other members of the team are dreading the deadline as well, hoping not to leave what is arguably the most hockey-fervent city.
"We know we put ourselves in this situation and this is part of the business," said Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty, according to Engels. "No matter what happens at the trade deadline, I've seen it before, I don't like seeing it - it's a terrible feeling."
"Everyone wants to play in Montreal on this team," he continued. "It's not a situation where guys want to go elsewhere. It's frustrating that we haven't been able to keep this team together-if management does decide to do something."
