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Kaiden Guhle at the center of trade calls as a significant new development surfaces
Kaiden Guhle is at the heart of the rumors, but the Canadiens' message remains very clear.
For the past few days, several teams have reportedly called Kent Hughes to ask about the price of the 23-year-old defenseman.
According to information relayed by Marco D'Amico, his name is indeed circulating around the NHL, but the Canadiens are reportedly not interested in moving him at this time.
Kaiden Guhle at the center of calls
Let's recall that we have already seen Kent Hughes meet Guhle on camera to talk to him about a possible trade involving a 5-foot-11 forward, a player he knew well. The name was censored, but the scene showed how involved the defenseman is in the organization's internal discussions.
We also know that Kent Hughes is actively making calls, and management still wants to take advantage of its depth on the blue line to acquire an impact forward or another top-six forward. It's the plan mentioned for months: use picks, prospects, and eventually an established defenseman to improve Martin St-Louis' offense.
"RG can also confirm that Guhle's name has been brought up by other teams for a while. Some Western Conference clubs showed interest in Guhle over the last two offseasons, but were met with an immediate denial.
The Canadiens have made it clear that they believe Guhle to be part of the future in Montreal, as he brings a level of physicality, defensive awareness, and mobility in a package that no other defenseman possesses for the Canadiens at this time. Guhle is a universally appreciated player across NHL executives when he's healthy and playing, so it only makes sense that they'd shoot their shot.
But as of this time, the Canadiens don't intend on moving such an important piece. That doesn't mean they don't have other options."
- Marco D'Amico, RG
The Canadiens have made it clear that they believe Guhle to be part of the future in Montreal, as he brings a level of physicality, defensive awareness, and mobility in a package that no other defenseman possesses for the Canadiens at this time. Guhle is a universally appreciated player across NHL executives when he's healthy and playing, so it only makes sense that they'd shoot their shot.
But as of this time, the Canadiens don't intend on moving such an important piece. That doesn't mean they don't have other options."
- Marco D'Amico, RG
In his NHL career, he has accumulated 174 games, 17 goals, 43 assists, and 60 points, with 137 penalty minutes and an average ice time of 20:49. Last season, he added 6 goals and 12 assists in 55 games, with a +6 rating.
This season, before his injury, he had 1 goal and 1 assist in 5 games, for 2 points and a +1 rating. He is currently on injured reserve with a lower-body injury after undergoing surgery in November, and must wait a bit longer before returning to help his teammates.
Guhle recently signed a six-year contract worth 33.3 million dollars, for an average salary of 5.55 million per year starting in 2025-2026. Meanwhile, the Canadiens' defensive group is already considered one of the strongest in the league, with Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, Alexandre Carrier, Arber Xhekaj, and Jayden Struble sharing minutes.
All of this makes it more realistic to sacrifice another defenseman to acquire a top-six center or winger, without touching Guhle. And in the background, the big rumors continue to swirl, notably those involving the St. Louis Blues and Jordan Kyrou, who have reportedly already submitted a major trade offer to the Canadiens.
Nothing has materialized, but that kind of situation gives an idea of the caliber of forward Montreal is targeting. In short, Guhle remains in the rumors, but he does not appear close to leaving Montreal anytime soon.
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