NHL Trade Rumors: Possible Deals for Montreal Canadiens' Andrei Kostitsyn

Montreal Canadiens forward Andrei Kostitsyn has the potential to be a 20-goal and 50-60-point player, as we saw in 2007-08; his first full season in which he would tally 26 goals and 53 points.

However, playing in a market like Montreal, the media typically tends to come down much harder on you. Kostitsyn has had a couple down years in the last two seasons, so he's come under scrutiny by fans and media alike.

This season, however, Kostitsyn has been off to a hot start, tallying nine points in 13 games thus far. However, that just may make Kostitsyn the guy who gets shown the door out.

His increased value due to his solid play right now could make him a more attractive piece for the Habs to deal.

Kostitsyn Brothers Reunite

Sergei Kostitsyn, brother of Andrei Kostitsyn, currently plays for the Nashville Predators after being dealt from the Montreal Canadiens back in the summer of 2010. 

Now, as the Ottawa Sun reports, the Habs are in need of some help on the blue line. 

Nashville is currently faced with trying to sign both Ryan Suter and Shea Weber, who are set to become unrestricted and restricted free agents, respectively.

Anybody see a love match here?

I'm obviously not talking a straight-up Kostitsyn for Suter trade, but a packaged deal involving these two may benefit both sides.

The Habs would get that boost on their back end, and the Preds would reunite a pair of brothers who may be able to spark some offensive chemistry. 

Off to Orange County

The Anaheim Ducks are struggling to find the scoresheet, as the Orange County Register writes. The top line of Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan, and Ryan Getzlaf have combined for just 35 points.

In comparison, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel alone has 29 points.

The need for offense in Anaheim is desperate, with only 41 goals scored for the entire team thus far (the lowest total in the Western Conference). Kostitsyn could surely help fill that role for the Ducks.

It may not be the best time for Anaheim to move a defenseman, seeing as how Lubormir Visnovsky was recently placed on the IR, but around the trade deadline, the Ducks could consider moving a defenseman like Matt Smaby for Andrei Kostitsyn.

Shipped to a Longtime Rival

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens obviously have a storied history being Original Six and divisional rivals.

However, could a trade between the two clubs work out?

The Hockey News reports that the Maple Leafs are looking to move defenseman Cody Franson. He was considered to be the key piece in the trade with the Nashville Predators this past summer, but Franson has not really cracked the line up.

The Habs could use a defender like Franson, who was a consistent key rearguard on the blue line in Nashville, and the Leafs could add some scoring depth to take some weight off the likes of Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. 

High-Flyer

The Ottawa Sun reports the Philadelphia Flyers are looking to move defenseman Matt Carle.

Since the Habs are looking to bolster their defense with Andrei Markov still on the shelf, Carle would be a great option there.

The Flyers have some solid depth up front, but Kostitsyn could add some great secondary scoring, especially on a second power play unit.

Adding Some Size

The Montreal Canadiens literally have a relatively small offensive core, with the likes of Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta and Mike Cammalleri up front.

As The Hockey News points out, the Habs are losing the physical battles night in and night out; Montreal could use a guy like Todd Bertuzzi from Detroit or Taylor Pyatt from Phoenix, both of which are set to become unrestricted free agents after this season.

Both examples there would provide a big body presence in front of the net and in the corners, with Pyatt likely being a younger, more attractive option for the Habs.