Do the Montreal Canadiens make sense for a deadline trade partner?

Ben Chiarot

There are many defensemen with their names being linked with new teams left and right this trading season. I think this guy has been linked with every team in the NHL at least once. Ben Chiarot is on an expiring deal and is rumored to have an asking price of a first or a prospect recently selected in the first round. That is a laughable price for Chiarot, but someone’s going to pay it probably.

Chiarot is having a relatively poor year by his standards. With the Hamilton, Ontario native projected to be hitting the unrestricted free agent market at the end of the season, Montreal is looking to move the 6’3, 225 lbs blueliner. Capable offensively and struggling defensively with very physical aspects to his game, Chiarot is garnering quite a lot of attention according to reports.

Viewed widely as a big bruising defenseman, I think it’s fair to say Chiarots value is getting a little boost from that Montreal media mayhem. He’s struggled quite a lot during his time in Quebec and he is not likely to continue to be given an extension in the French-speaking part of Canada. It was announced today that Chiarot is being held out of games moving forward to protect him and his trade value.

With the asking price for Chiarot being way more than he’s worth, I struggle to envision him in Raleigh wearing Carolina red. However, as a left-shot defenseman, Chiarot would probably make the 3rd pairing a little bit more secure. I suppose the more options that there, the better when it comes to the playoffs, but I’m really struggling to see Chiarot in Carolina. I just can’t see it.

Question for Cardiac Cane readers: Do you think the team should try to get any of these players?