Elliotte Friedman reveals major Flames update that could benefit the Canadiens

A rebuild in Calgary could end up benefiting the Montreal Canadiens.

Elliotte Friedman dropped a major update over the past few hours.

According to him, the Flames have agreed to begin a full-scale rebuild, and naturally, that’s a major development when it comes to a potential Whitecloud trade.

Calgary finished 30th in the overall standings with just 34 wins and 259 goals against.

This is where the Canadiens could strike.

The source points to Whitecloud, a right-shot defenseman who would strengthen Montreal’s blue line.

At 29 years old, the blueliner isn’t known for putting up points, and that’s not his role.

He recorded 17 points in 78 games, relying instead on his reliability in the defensive zone and his physical play.

Calgary’s rebuild could open the door for a Zach Whitecloud trade to Montreal

One detail makes the idea even more logical.

During a rebuild, giving them those minutes takes priority over keeping a veteran.

For Montreal, the financial side is appealing.

Whitecloud carries a cap hit of just $2.75 million, a very reasonable price for such a reliable right-shot defenseman who is elite in his own zone.

The Canadiens have been looking for a right-shot defenseman to strengthen their blue line for quite some time.

He would be an excellent fit.

The trade would make sense for both sides.

The Flames would receive draft picks or prospects, exactly the type of assets a rebuilding team is looking for.

The ball is now in Kent Hughes’ court.