The NHL rumour mill is heating up, and with it comes mention of two very different assets the Montreal Canadiens may end-up moving in the off-season.

According to Chris Johnston, the Habs are willing to move one or both of their first-round picks for an NHL-ready player, ideally a centre. This comes as no surprise to Canadiens fans, however, Johnston lists a defensive prospect who has not been included in many out-of-market trade boards: Logan Mailloux.

We’ve already discussed the possibility Kent Hughes will use the 16th and/or 17th overall picks to move up in the draft should a highly-touted prospect drop, not to mention the chances he leverages draft assets in a trade involving a player who can help the Canadiens maintain their upward trajectory after a very successful rebuilding season.

MUST READ: The Cost Of Moving Up At The 2025 NHL Entry Draft

Johnston has the picks in the top-10 of his summer trade targets, followed closely by a player that could have signed with the Habs last summer, but preferred a longer deal with the Nashville Predators: Jonathan Marchessault. All things considered, Marchessault was a logical free-agent signing target at the time, but it would make little sense to acquire him now that it would cost assets. It’s also worth remembering Hughes wisely wanted to avoid a five-year contract, and Marchessault will celebrate his 35th birthday in December.

ON TOPIC: Canadiens Trade Rumours – Jonathan Marchessault In Play

Essentially, the Marchessault boat has sailed.

The Montreal Canadiens Defensive Prospect Situation

As for Mailloux, Johnston makes it clear that the Habs are not necessarily pushing for a trade, nor are they in any rush to move the 22-year-old defenceman.

“While he’s certainly not a player Montreal has to move, the belief is he could be had in the right deal,” explained Johnston.

At this point in his development, it’s only fair to suggest Mailloux’s excellent work in the offensive zone is counterbalanced by his lack of improvements in the defensive zone.

His defensive coverage and gap control are still sticking points that will make cracking an NHL roster a veritable challenge. He also still makes basic mistakes, as evidenced by his underwhelming play in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final versus the Charlotte Checkers.

That’s FOUR shorthanded goals for John Leonard in TEN games 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/r88dHfSaTO

— Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) May 30, 2025

That’s not to say the Canadiens can afford to trade him without a proper return, and he’s far from the only prospect struggling, but I’d argue they’d be foolish not to listen to healthy offers.

It’s a touch-and-go situation, as the other right-handed defensive prospect who was expected to take a big step in his development this season, David Reinbacher, is also having a hard time when it comes to decision-making in the AHL playoffs.

Very rough shift for Reinbacher.

5-1 Charlotte. #LavalRocket pic.twitter.com/lRfAYS3r2b

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) May 30, 2025

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

There’s no need to raise the alarms when it comes to the fate of Mailloux or any other defensive prospect. Fortunately, Adam Engstrom has elevated his level of play throughout the playoffs, placing him ahead of both Mailloux and Reinbacher on the prospect depth ladder.

Simply put, he’s far and away the most NHL-ready defenceman of the trio.

MUST READ: Canadiens Defensive Prospects – Engstrom, Reinbacher, And Mailloux In The Playoffs

With that in mind, anyone expecting Reinbacher or Mailloux to immediately jump into the NHL lineup next year may want to readjust their expectations. Not only are the Canadiens not in a rush to move a defensive prospect, they’re in no rush to graduate them, either.

As it stands, another full season in the AHL may be the wisest path forward for both defensive prospects.