On the surface, the Montreal Canadiens trade of Nathan Beaulieu to the Buffalo Sabres for the 68th selection in the draft looks like an odd move. But, below the surface, it can open up possibilities for the Canadiens going into the expansion draft and beyond.
The obvious thing this does is allow Jordie Benn to take the third defenceman slot on Montreal’s protection list that needs to be submitted by 5:00 PM tonight. However, it could open up other possibilities as well.
The Canadiens now have two second-round picks (56 and 58 overall) and two third-round picks (newly acquired 68 and 87) this season.