The Montreal Canadiens are facing a critical decision on how to utilize their last salary retention slot. With players like Jake Allen and Jeff Petry still on the books, the team aims to maximize their return on potential trades involving Joel Armia, David Savard, and Christian Dvorak. There’s speculation around whether the Canadiens will retain salary for Armia's $3.4 million or Savard’s $3.5 million to entice suitors, especially given Dvorak’s $4.45 million cap hit as a UFA.

Dvorak, 29, has been suggested as a possible trade candidate, but his performance and financial considerations make it a delicate situation. Pagnotta believes Dvorak might remain with the Canadiens due to the balance of his production versus salary. Meanwhile, players like Armia and Savard could be more attractive to teams looking to bolster their rosters before the deadline.

The trade deadline is fast approaching, and discussions around potential unrestricted free agents are heating up. Among them is Christian Dvorak, who expressed a desire to remain with the Montreal Canadiens but is uncertain if the organization shares his interest. With a steep cap hit stemming from his 2018 contract with the Arizona Coyotes, Dvorak has struggled to meet offensive expectations, having his highest point total of 38 points in a season. This season, he has only managed 17 points in 56 games, and with a minus-14 rating, his future appears uncertain as the Canadiens may look for cost-effective alternatives.

Dvorak's tenure in Montreal has been marred by injuries and a lack of offensive chemistry, often relegated to lower lines. The Canadiens' management, led by Kent Hughes, may not prioritize a contract extension unless he accepts a significant pay cut. As Hughes aims to limit rookie integration into the lineup, Dvorak could serve as a crucial depth player if the Canadiens decide to keep him as a backup option while developing younger talent.

The Montreal Canadiens are actively evaluating their options as the NHL trade deadline approaches, particularly regarding their unrestricted free agents. General Manager Kent Hughes continues to keep his phone lines open for potential trades, despite the team's recent struggles, losing five straight games and falling six points back from a playoff spot.

While they're contemplating the possibility of making trades, Hughes is committed to their long-term plan, focusing on acquiring controllable players in their mid-20s. The Canadiens are open to both buying and selling, depending on the right offers that fit their strategy. The team aims to gather draft picks and possibly package them to move into higher rounds or bring in established players, similar to recent acquisitions like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.

In a thrilling comeback, the Anaheim Ducks overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Sunday. The decisive moment came from Alex Killorn, who scored the tiebreaker with under nine minutes remaining. The Ducks got a boost from Mason McTavish and Frank Vatrano, who netted goals just 40 seconds apart in the second period, marking a significant turnaround after trailing 2-0 at the end of the first period. Despite the loss, the Canadiens managed to score a short-handed goal from Joel Armia and a power-play goal from Christian Dvorak.

Goaltender Lukas Dostal secured the win with 21 saves, while Sam Montembeault stopped 19 shots for Montreal. This victory marks the Ducks' fourth win in five games, showcasing their potential despite ongoing inconsistencies. Conversely, the Canadiens faced their fifth consecutive loss, continuing a tough road trip in California.

The Montreal Canadiens are contemplating the future of forward Jake Evans, whose pending unrestricted free agency status at a $1.7 million cap hit makes him an attractive trade option. While his ideal role may be as a fourth-line center for a contender, Evans has proven his versatility by playing third-line minutes and being effective at both center and wing. Teams such as the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, and Columbus Blue Jackets have shown interest, with the Capitals reportedly offering a second-round pick during the draft.

Despite the current injury to defenseman Kaiden Guhle, the Canadiens remain committed to their long-term strategy. They are not seeking short-term rental solutions but are focused on trades that would benefit the team beyond the current season. The Canadiens are weighing their options for other pending UFAs such as Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, Michael Pezzetta, and David Savard as they look to build for the future.