3 defensemen the Canadiens should target at the trade deadline – The Hockey Writers Montreal Canadiens Latest news, analysis and more

The Montreal Canadiens don’t need a splashy top-pairing defenseman at the trade deadline. What they do need, however, is stability on their third pair, something that has quietly become an issue as the season has progressed. With Arber

This wouldn’t be a move aimed at changing the trajectory of the franchise. Instead, it would be about isolating the lineup, protecting young defenders and avoiding nightly lineup juggling, which can damage structure and consistency.

The use of Arber Xhekaj

Xhekaj’s glaciation over the final stretch is telling. Before being replaced by Struble against the Winnipeg Jets, Xhekaj played five consecutive games, during which time he logged more than ten minutes of ice time only once. That one exception came in a 7-3 win against the Colorado Avalanchea game state in which minutes could be spread more easily.

Outside of that, Xhekaj has been consistently underutilized. When a defenseman struggles to reach double figures in close games, it is a strong indication that the coaching staff does not fully trust him in all situations. Whether it’s defensive reading, puck management or discipline, Xhekaj’s role has clearly been kept to a minimum.

Struble hasn’t exactly locked things down either. While he brings energy and mobility, he also seems to be seen more as a stopgap rather than a long-term answer to the third pair. The result is a rotation that lacks predictability, and for a team trying to build good habits, that’s far from ideal. That’s where the idea of ​​adding a cheap, experienced depth defender comes into play.

Option 1: Logan StanleyWinnipeg Jets

Logan Stanley is an intriguing option. At 6-foot-4, the Winnipeg Jets defenseman provides a physical presence that the Canadiens currently lack outside of Xhekaj. Stanley will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, making him a realistic and affordable target.

What is especially interesting this season is Stanley’s offensive production. He has already set career highs with nine goals and 18 points in 55 games, impressive numbers for a player who typically plays in a depth role. While offense wouldn’t be his primary goal in Montreal, his ability to contribute without being a liability is a plus.

Stanley shouldn’t have to play big minutes. Put him in a sheltered third-pairing role, let him use his range, size and physicality, and suddenly the Canadiens have a more balanced and intimidating bottom pairing. For a young blueline still learning how to defend leads, that kind of presence matters.

Option 2: Luke SchennWinnipeg Jets

Another Jets defenseman who could make sense is . Like Stanley, Schenn will be a UFA at the end of the season, and with Winnipeg struggling, veteran players could very well make their move.

Schenn is a well-known product. He is physical, experienced and has played meaningful games in the playoffs. His puck skills are limited, but his defensive skills and willingness to do the dirty work remain valuable assets.

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For Montreal, Schenn wouldn’t just be a third-pair defenseman; he would be a stabilizer. A player coaches trust, respects teammates and young defenders can learn from it. For a team still trending toward contention, that kind of presence could quietly pay off.

Option 3: Simon BenoitToronto Maple Leaves

Simon Benoit would be a different kind of addition, but one that makes a lot of sense. A native of Quebec, Benoit plays a simple, physical defense game. He blocks shots, finishes checks and doesn’t try to do too much with the puck.

Unlike Stanley or Schenn, Benoit has that too another year on his contract after this season, giving Montreal some more control and continuity. That can be attractive for a team that does not want to commit too much, but also does not want a pure rental. Benoit wouldn’t move the needle offensively, but he would give the Canadiens a reliable option on nights where structure and physicality are priorities.

The Canadiens don’t need to rush Xhekaj or Struble out of the organization. But current usage suggests the coaching staff doesn’t fully trust either player at this point, and that creates a rift. Adding a third-pairing defenseman like Stanley, Schenn or Benoit wouldn’t stall the long-term prospects. Instead, it would stabilize the lineup, reduce pressure on young players and give Martin St. Louis options he clearly values: predictability and confidence.