Instant Analysis: Canadiens Clear Up Logjam With Struble Trade

The Montreal Canadiens recently traded defenceman Jayden Struble to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2027 second-round draft pick. The move aimed to alleviate the logjam on the Canadiens' blue line, where Struble and Arber Xhekaj were competing for permanent NHL jobs. Struble's performance with the Canadiens was decent, but his skill set became redundant with Xhekaj's strong physical presence.

The Predators, who finished 23rd overall in the 2025-26 season with 86 points, received a second-round selection that could end up in the 40th-to-50th overall range. Upon Struble's departure, the Predators' Patrick Rudnick subbed in Adam Engstrom, who improved the team's defensive performance in his first few games. With Kaiden Guhle also returning soon, the already congested blue line will see a reduction in short-term uncertainty.

Struble had 7 goals and 28 assists in 174 games with the Canadiens, now joining a Predators club that has lost another former Hab, William Trudeau.