NHL Rumors: Insider Pierre LeBrun outlines Montreal Canadiens' strategy ahead of trade deadline

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun focused on the Montreal Canadiens trade strategy in his latest analysis. The Habs are on a good run of form, having won four of their last five games. They are on the edge of the playoff spots in their division and are currently the hottest of the seven Canadian teams in the NHL, LeBrun said.

Appearing as a guest on TSN’s SC with Jay Onrait broadcast on Wednesday night, LeBrun said that the Canadiens were looking to neither sell nor buy players before the trade deadline. This placed them in their own special category of teams, he added. LeBrun pointed out that the Habs’ actions over the next few weeks would show what decision the front office has made.

"You know, they got some prominent pending UFAs - certainly Jake Evans, but also Joel Armia and David Savard," LeBrun said. "And, you know, teams have already started calling on them. If the Habs stay in the race and decide not to move any of those guys - and - and that’s not decided either. The Habs very much have decided, 'Let’s have the next seven, eight weeks play out before we make that call.'”

In LeBrun’s opinion, the Montreal Canadiens management has found a combination of players who are performing well and will be looking to keep that unit intact to maintain their playoff hopes.

“But if the Habs don’t trade those guys, that in a way is a major decision. It’s not buying, it’s not selling, but it’s saying, "We don’t want to hurt our chances to make the playoffs. We want to give this team every chance it’s earned. Every chance to try and compete," he added.

LeBrun also said that Montreal was one of the teams whose hopes of making the playoffs were uncertain; as such he didn’t see them taking the risk of buying players.

Montreal Canadiens looking for payback against Dallas Stars

The Habs will be looking to avenge their 2-1 shootout loss on Sunday against the Dallas Stars. The Canadian team faces off against the Stars again on Thursday night and will back their chances to win.

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine (92) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars during the second period at the Bell Centre. (Credit: IMAGN)

Canadiens forward Patrik Laine has done well against Dallas, with 27 goals in 27 games against them.

Thursday's game will be the 145th between the two teams, with the Habs currently leading 80-40-21-3. However, the Stars have won seven of the last 10 meetings between the teams, including the previous two.