Adam Engstrom’s name is suddenly in the middle of a trade conversation that could get loud in a hurry.
Darren Dreger believes the Montreal Canadiens may have already been putting the young defenseman in a position to be moved, and he tied that idea directly to speculation around Dylan Larkin. Dreger pointed back to a lineup call from last week that turned heads: Arber Xhekaj had just turned in a strong performance, yet he was sent to the press box while Engstrom got into the lineup.
That decision, Dreger suggested, may have been about more than just giving another blueliner a look.
He said Montreal could have Engstrom as part of a package if it were able to land Larkin, and he also thinks the defenseman’s name has already surfaced in other trade talks.
Engstrom gave that theory a little more fuel against Utah. He scored in Montreal’s 5-4 overtime win while logging just 10:48, a useful reminder of why a young defenseman like him could draw attention.
The 22-year-old was taken in the third round, 92nd overall, in 2022. His entry-level contract expires after this season, which only adds to the appeal for teams looking for a young defenseman with upside.
“And you remember last week we talked about this when Xhekaj was coming off a really good game and he gets put in the press box and Engstrom comes into the lineup. I strongly believe that that was part of the possibility of showcasing the player.
[...] I mean Engstrom I think would be part of a trade if the Montreal Canadiens were successful say in landing Dylan Larkin.
I think he could be part of that trade. I’m sure his name has been included in other trades.”
- Darren Dreger
Detroit’s start has only made the chatter more interesting. The Red Wings are 7-7-3 and sit last in the Atlantic Division after back-to-back losses, while Montreal is off to a 10-3-3 start and holds second place.
If a deal ever did come together between division rivals, it would carry extra weight. The Canadiens are trying to build on what they’ve put together, not tear it down.
Xhekaj’s situation adds another wrinkle. He came back Thursday with a goal and five penalty minutes, and David Pagnotta has also reported long-standing interest from the Philadelphia Flyers, with Daniel Brière keeping tabs on the defenseman.
That’s why last week’s lineup choice keeps coming back into focus. Scratching Xhekaj after a strong game was a surprise, and Dreger thinks the move may have been made with a bigger picture in mind.
It makes sense from Montreal’s side. A promising young defenseman can be a valuable chip in trade talks without forcing the Canadiens to move one of their core organizational pieces.
For now, though, nothing is done. Engstrom is still in Montreal, and Dreger’s comments amount to speculation, not confirmation. Even so, his name is now attached to one of the more intriguing trade possibilities around the Canadiens.
In Other News...
Canadiens Game Just Took A Turn After Key Utah Blue-Liner Exit
The game between Montreal and Utah took a notable turn in the second period when the Mammoth lost veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt to an upper-body injury. Schmidt, who brings plenty of NHL experience to Utahs blue line, was ruled out for the rest of the night after the team confirmed he would not return.
Utah did not offer any further details on the injury or say exactly when Schmidt exited, leaving the situation a little murky as the game moved on. For Montreal, any absence on the back end can change the look of a matchup quickly, especially against a defenseman with Schmidts track record and steady presence. [Read more 🡒]
Maple Leafs Face A Growing Problem Ahead Of Montreal
The Maple Leafs are still tinkering with their forward mix as they get ready for Montreal, a sign of a lineup that is trying to settle itself at just the right time. Jack Roslovic was given a maintenance day, and Vinni Lettieri moved into a prominent spot as Toronto looks for more balance up front. Head coach Jim Hiller has made it clear the issue is not just who is available, but how long the club is spending in its own end.
For Montreal, the bigger picture is that Toronto is still managing a few moving parts while trying to sharpen its attack. John Tavares is moving forward in his recovery, but his return is not imminent until he clears the next checkpoint. The Maple Leafs want cleaner offensive-zone play and less defending, and the Canadiens will be watching to see whether those adjustments hold up once the puck drops. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Lineup Crunch Is Putting Real Pressure On Martin St-Louis
Martin St-Louis is running into a good problem, but it is still a problem. With captain Nick Suzuki back in the lineup and Kirby Dach also returning to health, the Canadiens coach had to make some difficult calls, and Suzuki immediately rewarded the decision with a goal and two assists in his first game back.
The bigger issue for Montreal is what happens next, because the roster is getting deeper at the same time other players have earned their way into the conversation. St-Louis has already acknowledged how hard these choices are, and as more bodies become available, the Canadiens may be heading toward even tougher lineup decisions. [Read more 🡒]