This former Sabre could be on the move before the deadline passes.
The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching, as it is now under one month away. Understandably, trade chatter around the NHL is continuing to increase, and that will only remain the case until we get to March 8.
A former Buffalo Sabres forward is now creating some buzz in the rumor mill – Joel Armia. The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta had this to say about the prospect of the veteran winger getting dealt:
"If the Montreal Canadiens retain a chunk of Joel Armia’s contract, and they have one more retention slot available to them this season, he could be an affordable add for a team looking to acquire depth scoring in their bottom-six."
Joel ArmiaArmia, 30, carries a hefty $3.4 million cap hit as a bottom-six forward, so it makes sense that Pagnotta feels that the Canadiens would need to retain some of his salary in a potential trade. However, if they are open to it, he certainly could generate interest, as he not only produces decent offense but is also known for his steady defensive play.
Armia has appeared in 36 games this season with the Canadiens, where he has nine goals, one assist, and a plus-2 rating. He also spent time down in the AHL with the Laval Rocket this campaign, posting six goals and nine points in eight games.
It will be interesting to see if Armia gets traded before the deadline from here. Once we start to see more notable forwards dealt, perhaps interest in his services could go up.
Armia was selected by the Sabres with the 16th overall pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in just one game for the team before being one of the many pieces sent to the Winnipeg Jets in the 2015 Evander Kane trade.