NHL Rumors: Ben Chiarot trade destinations, and is there trouble between Fiala and Wild?
Anthony Scultore
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The Montreal Canadiens have gone from Stanley Cup runner-up to potential lottery pick in a hurry.
Losing Shea Weber was devastating. Compound that with Carey Price missing the start of the season with an injury plus a leave of absence and catastrophe was almost inevitable.
The Habs have been fairly resilient through all the offseason changes, injuries, and more. However, at 5-13-2 the playoffs are now a stretch.
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NHL Rumors: Ben Chiarot trade destinations
Marc Bergevin has said multiple times that he is not going to make a trade just for the sake of making one. Although, it would be wise to start planning for the future.
One name that has been rumored to be available is defenseman Ben Chiarot.
The 30 year-old has five points in 20 games this season. He’s a veteran left shot defender who makes just $3.5M on the cap and is a pending UFA.
Several teams are looking for some help on defense with the Islanders being at the very top of the list. Mitch Gallo of Montreal Hockey Now has them, the Avalanche, Leafs, and Oilers as landing spots.
Of the four, the Oilers and Islanders make the most sense because of injuries. Both teams have lost key defensemen, and could use some help.
Ryan Pulock is out for the Islanders for 4-6 weeks with a lower-body injury, and Darnell Nurse will miss 2-3 weeks with a broken finger.
Kevin Fiala and Wild issues?
The Minnesota Wild’s head coach Dean Evason and forward Kevin Fiala are not seeing eye to eye these days.
Fiala has been benched at times and removed from the power play. When asked if he was told why by the coach, he responded with: “Dean hasn’t, so you can ask him.”
On the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman touched on the situation saying that Bill Guerin is a “wild card” in these situations. At this time he doesn’t think a trade will happen, but if one does it won’t be because Fiala is slumping.
Fiala, 25, has 12 points in 18 games this season. Last year, he scored 20 goals and 40 points that included 5 game-winners in 50 games.
This past summer, the Wild signed him to a one-year show me deal worth $5.1 million. He will be an RFA with arbitration rights in July.
