After placing him on waivers before the start of the season, it’s no secret that the Montreal Canadiens would not mind parting ways with forward Joel Armia.
His $3.4 million cap hit and lack of consistency in recent years have a lot to do with that.
But after a brief yet productive AHL stint with the Laval Rocket (four goals and one assist over four games), the Canadiens recalled the 30-year-old a few days after Kirby Dach was deemed out for the season due to injury.
And according to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Canadiens “re-engaged” in trade discussions involving Armia, who was being shopped around over the offseason, shortly after calling him up.
The #GoHabsGo have recalled Joel Armia from the AHL. They tried trading him in the off-season, and word is they re-engaged in trade talks this week. We’ll see if any traction is gained. He’s got another year left on his deal at a $3.4M cap hit.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 21, 2023
While making a deal involving the Finnish winger, who has two seasons remaining on his four-year contract, is no easy task, it is possible.
For instance, Pagnotta recently reported that Montreal and the Washington Capitals had previously discussed a potential deal involving Armia and Quebec-born winger Anthony Mantha.
“I’m told the Habs did indeed have a conversation with the Washington Capitals about local boy Anthony Mantha and Montreal forward Joel Armia was part of the discussion, but I am not sure Washington would have been his final landing spot,” Pagnotta wrote in a Wednesday article. “Those talks have quieted down but could get revisited if the Capitals reengage.”
Like Armia, Mantha carries a large cap hit ($5.7 million) and has struggled to find his footing since arriving in Washington via trade in 2021.
Last season, the 29-year-old Longueuil native netted just 11 goals and 27 points over 67 games with the Capitals.
At this point, it’s clear that a change of scenery is probably what both players need. Hopefully, their respective teams follow suit.
- You might also like:
- Ex-Canucks forward Tanner Pearson is lighting it up with Canadiens
Follow Channels and Categories