The prospect of the week is none other than Macklin Celebrini. The 2024 projected first overall pick is dominating the NCAA. Cayden Primeau [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyMDIzOTk2OTc4Mzc0NTc5/usatsi_21736519_168400847_lowres.jpg] Cayden Primeau The rebuilding Montreal Canadiens are off to a better-than-expected start to this season. Entering this week [https://www.nhl.com/standings/2023-11-05/wildcard], they had a 5-4-2 record that leaves them jockeying for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Nevertheless, there's speculation swirling that GM Kent Hughes might be planning an early-season trade. The Canadiens carry three goaltenders – Jake Allen, Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau. They can't risk sending Primeau to their AHL affiliate in Laval, as he'll likely be plucked off waivers by a rival club. On Thursday, TSN's Darren Dreger [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/insider-trading-ottawa-senators-in-no-rush-to-hire-general-manager-1.2030333] said there could be a decision coming that might involve trading one of them. There was some talk last month [https://thehockeynews.com/news/are-the-montreal-canadiens-planning-an-early-season-trade] linking the 24-year-old Primeau to the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers, but nothing's come of it so far. Making an early-season trade won't be easy for Hughes, given the high number of teams with limited salary-cap space at this stage in the schedule. Allen's $3.85-million annual average value through 2024-25 should ensure he remains in Montreal for at least the remainder of this season. Montembeault ($1 million for this season) and Primeau ($890,000 annually through 2024-25) would be much easier to shop. Still, Hughes could be forced to wait until later in the season when interested teams have accrued sufficient cap space to add players. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli [https://twitter.com/DailyFaceoff/status/1719473570848309718] last week observed Sean Monahan was off to a strong start to this season. The 29-year-old center is on a one-year deal with an affordable $1.985-million cap hit and lacks no-trade protection. If he remains healthy and production, Seravalli believes he'll be a fine trade chip for the Canadiens by the March 8 trade deadline.
