Canadiens Acquire Kyrou, Binnington in Curious Multi-Player Trade Pitch
Montreal Canadiens fans are buzzing over a potential blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Blues, which would see forward Jordan Kyrou and goaltender Jordan Binnington heading to Montreal. The Canadiens, currently sitting third in the Atlantic Division, are reportedly looking to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run, while the Blues are open to shaking things up as they sit near the bottom of the Central Division.
The hypothetical trade, which has been circulating among hockey writers, would address key areas for the Canadiens. Binnington would provide an immediate upgrade in net, aligning with the team's competitive timeline. Kyrou, a dynamic forward, would add offensive firepower to Montreal's top lines.
However, such a significant acquisition would require the Canadiens to clear substantial cap space. With Kyrou and Binnington's combined cap hit totaling $14.13 million, the Canadiens would need to shed approximately $11 million. Potential candidates for departure include veterans like Brendan Gallagher or Josh Anderson, although moving either player would likely involve attaching additional assets. The possibility of trading Patrik Laine, if there's interest from other teams, has also been mentioned.
The proposed trade package heading to St. Louis could include a mix of young players, draft picks, and established NHLers. Jake Evans, Samuel Montembeault, and prospect Joshua Roy have been named as potential pieces, along with a conditional 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick.
Several factors add complexity to the potential deal. Both Kyrou and Binnington possess trade protection clauses, granting them some control over their destination. Furthermore, the Canadiens would need to carefully consider the long-term implications of taking on Kyrou's contract, which extends through the 2026-27 season.
Acquiring Binnington could also impact the Canadiens' goaltending depth, particularly with promising prospects like Jakob Dobes and Jacob Fowler in the pipeline. If Binnington performs well and seeks an extension, the Canadiens might face a difficult decision regarding their future goaltending plans.
While the potential acquisition of Kyrou and Binnington would undoubtedly inject talent and experience into the Canadiens' lineup, the move is not without risk. The team's management must carefully weigh the potential rewards against the long-term implications for their roster and salary cap.
Ultimately, whether this "curious" trade pitch materializes remains to be seen. However, it undoubtedly sparks intriguing possibilities for both the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues as they navigate the NHL's trade landscape.
