Four new trade targets emerge as Canadiens weigh options before the NHL Draft

The NHL trade market continues to heat up on the eve of the NHL Draft, as four more players have reportedly become available.

The past week has been wild.

Developments have unfolded across the league hour by hour.

And the pace is not slowing down.

Four more names have now been added to the trade market.

The first comes from Calgary.

The asking price is reportedly reasonable. Dreger says Calgary is seeking a second-round pick in exchange for the 24-year-old forward.

A second name comes from Colorado.

He is a big power forward capable of producing 80 or more points in a season.

A third player is drawing attention.

According to Frank Seravalli, the Columbus Blue Jackets have indicated that Kent Johnson is available for the right price.

The 23-year-old forward has an intriguing profile.

A former fifth-overall pick, he is entering the final year of his contract carrying a $1.8 million cap hit.

The fourth name is the most high-profile.

According to Dreger, the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes are considering trading young defenseman Alexander Nikishin.

Nikishin, 24, is a restricted free agent.

In short, it remains to be seen whether the Canadiens will show interest in any of these players.

Kent Hughes is looking to add both offensive talent and defensive depth. And with such an active market on the eve of the draft, there should be no shortage of opportunities for the Canadiens’ general manager.