NHL Trade Rumors: Why Derek Roy Is Right Fit for Montreal Canadiens

Although no team has technically been eliminated from contention yet, the playoffs look like little more than a dream for the Montreal Canadiens at this point. That doesn't mean that they can't add pieces at the trade deadline, and one intriguing option is Buffalo Sabres center Derek Roy.

According to TSN analyst Darren Dreger, the Habs might have some interest in acquiring Roy. Buffalo has severely underachieved in its own right this season.and it figures to be very busy at the deadline. It's no secret that Roy's name has been bandied about as a possible trading chip as well.

Roy has been a bit of an enigmatic player during his career. There is no question that the talent is there, as he posted at least 69 points per season in three straight campaigns prior to last year, including a career-high 32 goals and 81 points in 2007-08.

He was on pace for another strong season last year, as he had tallied 35 points in 35 games before being sidelined for the remainder of the season. Roy hasn't carried his success over to this season for whatever reason, as he is on pace for his worst career output with a mere 27 points in 53 games.

Roy has a manageable cap hit of just $4 million through next season and a history of success, so it stands to reason that he will be a hot commodity on the trade market. It may seem silly for a team with center woes like the Sabres to deal Roy, but many feel as though his presence alone is holding the team back.

The Sabres need to reinvent themselves in some way, and trading Roy is one way to do that. Similarly, the Canadiens need a boost of some sort, preferably at the center position. Montreal is one of the weaker teams in the league up the middle, with only Tomas Plekanec producing consistently. It's easy to see why Roy might be appealing.

Montreal certainly has the cap space to take him on, and since he is signed for another season, it helps the Habs both now and in the near future. Dealing for Roy is a calculated risk, but it's one worth taking. Roy has been a productive player for the vast majority of his career, and may just need a change of scenery.

If Roy explodes as a member of the Canadiens, then the two sides can work on a long-term deal and consider it a success. If he flops, then there is still a commitment for next season. After that, he becomes a free agent, so it isn't as if Montreal would be saddled with an albatross of a contract.

One issue is that Roy wouldn't help Montreal's size deficiency up front, but that can often be overstated in the NHL. Plekanec, David Desharnais and Brian Gionta are all smaller players, but all have been pretty productive as well. As long as Roy proves he can play, then his 5'9" frame shouldn't matter too much.

Basically, it all comes down to what Buffalo will be asking for in return. Despite what most people may think, there is nothing suggesting the Sabres will be defined sellers. They may be looking for more than just picks or prospects. Younger roster players like Desharnais, Ryan White and Lars Eller might all be pieces Buffalo would covet.

Trading for Roy wouldn't be without risk, but the Canadiens clearly need to make some changes. If the price is right, then Roy is exactly the type of player the Habs should pounce on.