Although it is believed that Marc Bergevin is keeping a roster spot open for a young gun, he is looking to better his team to eventually reach the ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup. Every season, the Montreal Canadiens have been getting better as a team and may be just one piece away from completing the puzzle. This may mean that Bergevin has a trick up his sleeve. These could be some of the trade targets for the Habs:

• Jason Pominville: 6’0, 185lbs 

82GP , 18G , 36A , 54PTS

Although Pominville is carrying a steep cap hit of $5.6M he is still an impact player. Pominville is only one year removed off a 30G season which helped him get 60PTS. It’s been said for a while now that the Canadiens lack a big time RW scorer on the first line. It also is good to know that he hasn’t missed a game in two seasons, so health wouldn’t be a gamble.  The cost would not be too high knowing that Jason is getting up there in age and his points do seem to be decreasing.

Photo Credit – Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

• Michael Grabner: 6’0, 185lbs

34GP , 8G , 5A , 13PTS

Carrying a cap hit of  $4M a season, Grabner is an explosive skater and would fit in great with the Habs’ fast style of play. Although Grabner missed a lot of last season with an injury, he would be a cheap add for the second line. He would cost as low as a 3rd and a B+ prospect. Low risk, high reward.

Photo Credit – Getty Images

• Marcus Kruger: 6’0, 181lbs

81GP , 7G , 10A , 17PTS

It was reported that Habs GM Marc Bergevin was offered Kruger sometime in the off-season. Kruger is still waiting to be signed by the salary cap crunched Chicago Blackhawks. Kruger has great potential as a bottom-six center, and although we do have many of them, he could be an upgrade from recently signed Hab Torrey Mitchell.

Photo Credit – Nam Y. Huh

• Blake Wheeler: 6’5, 205lbs

79GP , 26G, 35A , 61PTS

Blake Wheeler has not been on the trading block for a while now but that won’t stop Bergevin from trying to get him. With his huge body, he is exactly what the Habs need as a first line RW along side Pacioretty. It is not likely that Winnipeg is willing to trade him, but if the price is right I wouldn’t be surprised if they do.

Photo Credit – Getty Images

• Nail Yakupov: 5’11, 189lbs

81GP , 14G , 19A , 33PTS

After a disappointing season in Edmonton, Yakupov will look to improve from here on out. With the Oilers winning the Connor McDavid sweepstakes it is now more possible that he gets traded for some much needed help on D. It would be nice to see Nail back playing with his old junior teammate Alex Galchenyuk. Bergevin has shown interest in Yakupov before, and a side note that Edmonton has expressed interest in Habs prospect Zach Fucale.

Photo Credit – thehockeynews.com

• Kris Versteeg: 5’11, 183lbs

61GP , 14G , 20A , 34PTS

Once again another Chicago Blackhawk shows up on my list. Along with Kruger, Versteeg was also offered to Bergevin in a trade. With Versteeg playing a lesser role on a winning team, it is no surprise that his point totals are not the best but he would bring that winning attitude to Montreal. He would be a very cheap add, also with the Blackhawks needing to shed salary.

Photo Credit – nhl.com

• Eric Staal: 6’4, 205lbs

77GP , 23G , 31A , 54PTS

With change coming in Carolina, Eric’s time could be up. Montrteal has admitted that they need a solid number one center who could lead and help in the playoffs, well Staal is just that. Although it is doubtful that he gets traded, Montreal should be inquiring about him. The only negatives are that he will carry a cap hit of $8.5M a season and he would cost a leg and an arm.

Photo Credit – nhl.com

• Mikkel Boedker: 6’0, 211

45GP , 14G , 14A , 28PTS

After signing a contract of only one year it is believed that Boedker is uncomfortable playing in Arizona and wants a change of scenery. Mikkel is a high end talent with good potential. At the age of 25, he already has 107PTS in 383GP.

Photo Credit – thehockeywriters.com

I don’t expect Marc Bergevin to make any trades, mostly because he wants the rookies to shine. Hhowever I would love to see him acquire anyone of these players.

Tell me which one you want to see Bergy target! Follow me on Twitter @QF25Matt.