Rumor: Trade expected between the Habs and Pens? This would be a blockbuster!

This is no secret, the Montreal Canadiens are struggling more than anyone expected after the first quarter of the season. The Habs lost a fifth straight game last night, this one in shoutout against the Nashville Predators, which does not help to quiet down all the trade rumors.

On Saturday, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos revealed that Montreal is expected to build for the future and that captain Max Pacioretty "is dronwing" with the Canadiens. The top forward would need a new change of scenery and Kypreos appeared certain GM Marc Bergevin will use him as trade bait.

Kypreos' colleague and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has mentioned that a blockbuster trade could happen between the Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins. According to Friedman, if Pacioretty is to become available, the Pens could make a move to land the 30-goal scorer.

The Penguins were reported to be in a heavy chase for forward Matt Duchene, who ended up with the Ottawa Senators, and are still looking to fill an important spot on the top lines. Pacioretty could be the answer to GM Jim Rutherfurther's woes. And we all know the GM is known to make clutch trade moves around the deadline.

Let's keep an eye on this. We are pretty sure Pacioretty wouldn't mind playing with the defending champions.