Joel Armia has long been a consistent figure in the Montreal Canadiens lineup, providing depth, versatility, and a physical presence on the ice. However, in recent seasons, with the Canadiens in a rebuilding phase and looking to shed some salary cap, many have speculated whether Armia could be moved in a trade. Given his contract and his role on the team, what could the Montreal Canadiens expect to receive in return for Armia if they decided to trade him? An NHL executive recently revealed some insights into the potential trade market for the Finnish winger.
The Player: Joel Armia’s Role and Value
Before delving into trade speculation, it’s essential to understand who Joel Armia is as a player. At 6’4” and 214 pounds, Armia is a big-bodied forward with a strong presence on the ice. While he may not have the offensive consistency that many teams desire from a top-six winger, he is a valuable bottom-six option who brings physicality, a decent two-way game, and the ability to chip in offensively from time to time.
Armia’s skillset is well suited for a third or fourth-line role. He can kill penalties and plays a reliable defensive game, often being tasked with checking the opponent’s top players. He also has the ability to contribute offensively in spurts, as evidenced by his occasional highlight-reel goals. His playoff performances, notably during the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, showed his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
However, Armia’s inconsistency has been a point of concern. Despite his potential, he has often been a streaky scorer and has struggled to find his rhythm over extended periods. His salary, too, has been a talking point among fans and analysts alike. With a cap hit of $3.4 million through the 2024-2025 season, Armia’s contract is seen as somewhat of a burden for a rebuilding team like the Canadiens, especially considering his limited offensive output.
The Trade Market: What Could the Canadiens Get in Return?
An NHL executive recently weighed in on what the Canadiens could expect to receive in a Joel Armia trade. According to the executive, Armia could still command a respectable return, but only under certain conditions. Let’s break down the possible scenarios.
1. Cap Space Relief and Draft Picks
One of the most common strategies for rebuilding teams like the Canadiens is to offload players with bigger contracts in exchange for draft picks or prospects. While Armia is not the highest-paid player on the roster, his $3.4 million cap hit is still significant, particularly for a team that is working to manage its salary cap for future flexibility.
For Montreal, moving Armia could provide crucial cap relief, which would be valuable in both the short and long term. In return, the Canadiens would likely be seeking draft picks or low-level prospects. A mid-round draft pick (perhaps a third or fourth-round pick) could be a reasonable return, given Armia’s age and contract.
An NHL executive noted that Armia’s physicality and defensive play could make him an attractive option for a contender looking for depth on the wing. Teams that are in need of a reliable penalty killer and checking-line forward could see Armia as a perfect fit for their bottom six. As a result, the Canadiens could realistically expect to receive a package that includes a draft pick, potentially a prospect, or a mix of both.
2. A Depth Forward in Exchange
Another potential avenue for Montreal in a trade involving Armia could be to acquire a depth forward in return. This would be an interesting option for the Canadiens, as they may be seeking additional depth pieces who fit their rebuilding model. These types of forwards might be younger players who are still developing and could fit into the Canadiens’ future plans.
The trade could involve a player who has had inconsistent results at the NHL level but has potential for growth. Perhaps the Canadiens could target a 24- or 25-year-old forward who has struggled to solidify a regular role but still has upside. The key here would be to acquire a player who could eventually step into a regular lineup spot and develop alongside Montreal’s younger core.
The executive mentioned that such deals often happen between teams who are both looking for similar players who fill different needs. While Armia may not bring a major return in terms of star power, acquiring a player with potential for the future could be just as valuable in the Canadiens’ long-term plans.
3. Trade to a Contender for Future Assets
If Armia were to be traded to a contender, especially at the trade deadline, Montreal could see a higher return on their asset. Teams that are firmly in playoff contention often look for additional depth pieces to bolster their roster for a playoff run. Armia’s defensive prowess and ability to play physical would make him a desirable target for a team looking to solidify its bottom six.
In a scenario like this, the Canadiens could demand a higher-quality return—such as a second-round pick or a prospect who could potentially step into the NHL roster in the near future. The trade could also include a mix of a lower draft pick and a depth prospect, depending on the demand for Armia.
The executive suggested that a team with playoff aspirations, looking to add size and experience for their depth lines, might be willing to give up an intriguing prospect in exchange for Armia. Teams with limited cap space might also be willing to trade a player on an entry-level contract or a veteran on an expiring deal, providing Montreal with future flexibility.
The Most Likely Outcome: A Salary Dump or Small Asset Trade
In all likelihood, the Canadiens will not receive a blockbuster return for Joel Armia. His inconsistent production, combined with his relatively high salary, makes him a more difficult player to trade at his current value. A salary dump scenario, where the Canadiens move Armia primarily for cap relief, seems the most probable outcome.
While Montreal would likely prefer to receive a draft pick or a young player in return, it is possible that they will have to absorb some of Armia’s salary or take on a less desirable contract from another team in the process. As the executive noted, the Canadiens’ goal would be to free up space for their younger players to develop while simultaneously gathering assets for the future.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Armia?
Ultimately, the return for Joel Armia in a trade will largely depend on the context of the deal. If the Canadiens are looking to move him to free up cap space, they might not get a significant return. However, if Armia is moved to a contender at the trade deadline, the Canadiens could potentially gain a higher return, especially if Armia proves himself in a key role for a playoff team.
With the Canadiens in the midst of a rebuild, trading Armia seems like a logical move to continue clearing the roster of aging or surplus players and making room for youth development. As the trade deadline approaches and the Canadiens evaluate their options, it will be interesting to see how the market for Armia evolves and what the team can ultimately gain in return.
Leave a Reply