Canadiens reportedly interested in Mattias Ekholm

With the NHL's trade deadline only 32 days away, Canadian-based teams are beginning to make preparations for trades. The Canadian federal government currently has a 14-day mandatory quarantine for anyone entering the country, and NHL players don't get any special exception.

One team that appears to be ready to make a big splash in the trade market is the Montreal Canadiens. According to The Fourth Period, the Canadiens are reportedly interested in Nashville Predators defenceman Mattias Ekholm.

The possibility of Ekholm becoming a Canadien became stronger on Wednesday night, as defenceman Ben Chiarot was injured in a fight with Canucks forward J.T. Miller. Chiarot left the game in the first period and didn't return after injuring his hand during the fight. The extent of his injury isn't known yet, but Chiarot won't play Thursday in Calgary.

Ekholm is currently in the fifth year of a six-year, $22.5 million contract ($3.75 million AAV) and the Predators are reportedly seeking a first round pick as well as other assets in exchange for the 30 years old defenceman. One possible player the Canadiens could move is Victor Mete. The 22-year-old has been left out of the Habs lineup for the majority of the season, only playing in five of Montreal's 25 games.

The Borlange, Sweden native was drafted by Nashville back in 2009 in the fourth round, 102nd overall. In 557 regular season games, Ekholm tallied 205 points (49 G, 156 A), and has 30 points (6 G, 24 A) in 65 career playoff games.

Canadiens eyeing defenceman Ekholm? https://t.co/FChSO3hdod— The Fourth Period (@TFP) March 11, 2021

Source: The Fourth Period

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