Jayden Struble is back in trade talk as Martin St-Louis faces a crowded Montreal Canadiens blue line.
Boston's interest reportedly dates back to last fall, when Marco D'Amico identified Struble as a defenseman the Bruins genuinely liked.
That connection now carries more weight because Montreal has several young defensemen pushing for limited NHL spots. Training camp could force Kent Hughes into a decision.
Struble recorded 12 points in 59 games last season. At 24, he offers mobility, physical play and enough experience to step directly into another team's lineup.
Boston's attraction is easy to understand. Don Sweeney is looking to strengthen a defense that needs more dependable options, and Struble fits the club's preference for direct hockey.
There is no indication that a trade is imminent. The current discussion is built around Boston's previous interest and Montreal's growing surplus.
“The Bruins really like Jayden Struble. And with Boston potentially looking to improve its defense, the idea makes sense on paper.” - Marc-Olivier Cook
Jayden Struble trade buzz intensifies as Bruins enter the mix
David Reinbacher's emergence changes the equation. If he earns an NHL job, Montreal may have more defensemen than St-Louis can use consistently.
Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle and Alexandre Carrier already occupy major places in the picture. Arber Xhekaj and Adam Engström add more competition.
That creates a difficult path for Struble. He could enter camp playing for a regular assignment while also knowing another club has kept him on its radar.
“Struble is not untouchable. Especially if Adam Engström-or David Reinbacher-has a strong camp and manages to earn a spot in Martin St-Louis' lineup.” - Marc-Olivier Cook
Hughes shouldn't move him simply to clear space. A young NHL defenseman on a manageable contract carries more value than a routine draft pick.
The Canadiens need help elsewhere, especially higher in the forward group. Struble would make more sense as part of a hockey trade that addresses a clear roster weakness.
Boston could offer him a cleaner route to steady minutes, but Sweeney would still have to meet Montreal's price. Interest alone won't force Hughes into a deal.
The most likely turning point comes at camp. If Reinbacher or Engström clearly earns a place, Struble may become the defenseman Montreal can move without weakening its long-term core.
Source : DLC
Should the Canadiens trade Jayden Struble to the Bruins?
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