With the trade deadline approaching next March, several journalists, including Arpon Basu of The Athletic, are considering scenarios where the Montreal Canadiens could get rid of Joel Armia.
Among the proposals, the idea of trading Armia for David Spacek, a young right-handed defenseman belonging to the Minnesota Wild who is the talk of the town because he plays a mature game in the American league.
The Minnesota Wild, looking for depth for the playoffs, are looking for a sturdy forward capable of making a physical and defensive contribution on the bottom two lines.
Joel Armia, with his imposing size (6 feet 3 inches, 212 pounds) and his playoff experience, could meet this need.
Although he is often criticized for his lack of consistency, Armia has shown that he can raise his level of play in important moments.
He scored several crucial goals in past series with the Canadiens, and his ability to contribute shorthanded could appeal to a team like the Wild.
“Armia is in the last year of his contract ($3.4 million), and his status as a free agent this summer could facilitate his trade.
An aspiring team like the Wild could see him as a temporary but effective solution to bolster their offensive depth. »
The million dollar question: Who is David Spacek?
David Spacek, a 21-year-old right-handed defenseman, is an interesting prospect, although he is not considered a top-tier player.
Son of former CH defender Jaroslav Spacek and selected in the 5th round in 2022, Spacek has progressed steadily since then, notably thanks to his performances in the QMJHL with the Sherbrooke Phoenix and at the 2023 World Junior Championship, where he helped Czechia win the silver medal.
We’re not talking about a big-framed defender at 6 feet and 190 pounds.
Mobile, capable of contributing offensively and solid in transition, he is the type of defender that Martin St-Louis will appreciate.
His 10 points in 23 games with the Wild Be farm club are not bad.
Spacek isn’t ready for a big role in the NHL yet, but he’s knocking on the door.
With proper coaching, he could become a reliable support defenseman for the Canadiens in the medium term.
With an annual salary of $3.4 million, Armia is widely considered overpaid for his production. But his contract is ending. The Wild therefore have nothing to risk.
The Canadiens are seriously lacking depth at the right-handed defense position. David Savard is aging and will be traded, Justin Barron is struggling to find his place in the NHL and youngsters like Reinbacher and Mailloux still need time to develop.
Adding Spacek would provide an additional option and reduce pressure on these youngsters.
If the Wild are willing to trade a player like Spacek for a veteran at the end of his contract, this represents a golden opportunity for the Canadian.
Spacek may not have an elite ceiling, but his steady progression and modern playing style make him an interesting bet for Kent Hughes.
Armia’s performance this season could deter some buyers. With only sporadic flashes, its lack of consistency remains a problem.
If the Wild is interested as the journalist from The Athletic claims, it’s a no-brainer.
But be careful. Spacek remains a future third-pair defenseman. (TOP 4 defender in the best case scenario, if we dream of the best scenario.
Montreal should not expect him to become a defensive gem.
Armia might not be the only option for the Wild, and other teams might offer more consistent or less expensive players.
Still, the addition of Joel Armia could provide immediate reinforcement to the Wild for the playoffs without requiring a long-term commitment.
For the Canadian, acquiring a young right-handed defenseman like David Spacek fits perfectly with Kent Hughes’ goal of rejuvenating the team and improving his blue line.
“If the CH can get a promising defender like Spacek while getting rid of a problematic contract, it would be a victory all round. »
For Hughes, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Joel Armia in Minnesota, David Spacek in Montreal…who says yes?
