NHL Trade Rumors: Canadiens Don't Intend to Trade Alex Galchenyuk
Several teams have expressed their interest in acquiring Alex Galchenyuk from the Montreal Canadiens. But really, the question is: Will the team make him available for any trade offers?
While the interest is there, the Canadiens are reportedly not budging, knowing that the 21-year-old is one of their most important pieces for the future. This is quite true even after looking at a team that is visibly having difficulties in their offense. There is even some clamor from fans that a change must be made, whether it is player movement or revamping the coaching staff. But one thing's for sure right now — Galchenyuk is not going anywhere.
The American professional ice hockey youngster was a third overall draft pick by the Canadiens during the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to making the jump to the pros, he spent two years in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sarnia Sting. Although he is of Belarusian descent, he elected to represent the United States in international competitions, most notably the IIHF World U20 Championship and the Ice Hockey World Championships.
He so far has played in 47 games for Montreal and in the process scored 10 goals, along with 27 points. With the team rapidly finding its way at the bottom of the standings, it is quite normal to hear trade rumors like this one. One has to note that the same team was dubbed the hottest to start the year after consecutive wins. It is astounding to see that they now are currently out of the last playoff spot.
The temptation of making significant player movements will always be there as long as a team is struggling, and it can't be denied that Galchenyuk himself has been struggling. This is supported by the fact the he hasn't scored in the past seven games. But are the Canadiens willing to let him go this season? That's highly unlikely considering the kind of potential the young kid has.
