Articles / Montreal Canadiens’ 5 Worst Trades Since 2000

Montreal Canadiens’ 5 Worst Trades Since 2000

T
The Hockey Writers
Nov 11, 2025 5:23 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by The Hockey Writers. Read the full original article here →

The Montreal Canadiens have endured some regrettable trades since 2000, affecting their team dynamics and overall performance in the NHL. A particularly notable trade occurred in 2009 when they traded away heavy-hitter Alexei Kovalev to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kovalev had become a fan favorite in Montreal, and his departure left a significant void in the team's scoring capability.

Another infamous deal was in 2014 when the Canadiens traded fan favorite PK Subban to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Shea Weber. The trade sparked controversy and debate among fans and analysts alike, as Subban was a cornerstone of the franchise and a crowd-pleaser, while Weber's physical style of play and leadership on the ice came under scrutiny due to the challenges he faced following injuries.

In 2020, the Canadiens made another puzzling trade by sending Max Domi to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Josh Anderson. While both players had their strengths, Domi’s offensive flair and ability to produce points quickly made him a more valuable asset to the Canadiens, raising questions about the rationale behind this exchange.

These trades highlight the difficulties NHL teams face in evaluating talent and making strategic decisions that align with their long-term goals, showcasing the fine line between risk and reward in professional hockey. Fans remain hopeful that the Canadiens can learn from these missteps and focus on building a robust roster that can compete effectively in the league.