Verbeek was an undrafted free agent, who has been with the Canadiens organization since 2019. He has played in seven AHL games this season, scoring one goal with two assists. He will likely report to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL).
Merrill has quietly been one of the most effective bottom-4 defensemen in the NHL in recent years and is a very nice pickup for the Canadiens. Merrill plays a very reliable defensive game that will make the Habs' third pairing a little more reliable. Victor Mete was placed on waivers on Saturday, clearing the way for Merrill.
The Devils are anticipating moving a few defenseman ahead of Monday's trade deadline, so Siegenthaler gives them and NHL body to replace anybody they ship out. After appearing in 64 games with the Capitals last year, he has only suited up in seven in 2021, failing to record a point. The 23-year-old is good friend with fellow Swiss native and New Jersey Devil Nico Hischier.
The Lightning are making a habit of picking up big, rugged players at the trade deadline. Tampa Bay has been relying on Luke Schenn, Cal Foot and Ben Thomas as their sixth defenseman but that spot now belongs to Savard. He will likely skate with either Ryan McDonagh or Mikhail Sergachev at 5v5.
Montour is in the final year of his contract that carries a $3.85M AAV cap-hit. Montour will help fill a void on the left-side that was created when they lost Aaron Ekblad for the season. The 27-year-old has scored five goals with nine assists, 72 shots, 53 blocks and 35 hits in 38 games with the Sabres this season.
Pateryn heads to his third year of 2021 and will likely battle with Christian Jaros for the No.6 defensman role. Pateryn has two assists, 10 shots, 16 blocks and 11 hits in 11 games with the Wild and Avalanche.
The Avalanche recently acquired Jonas Johansson to be Philipp Grubauer's backup but Dubnyk provides them with a more experienced backup option heading for what looks like a lengthy playoff run. Dubnyk went 3-9-2 with a 3.18 GAA and .898 SV% in 17 games with the Sharks this season but will play behind a much better defensive team in Colorado.
Nemeth played with the Avalanche in 2018 and 2019 before signing with Red Wings prior to the 2020 season. He returns to Colorado where he will serve as a depth piece that they know that can rely on on their third pairing. Nemeth has eight points (2G / 6A) in 39 games this season.
Hinostroza has been a healthy scratch more than not in 2021, failing to record a point in his first nine games with the Panthers. He has a better chance of cracking the Blackhawks lineup but likely won't ever be in the top-6.
Morrison was originally a fourth-round pick of the Rangers in 2015 but was traded from Los Angeles to Chicago in the Olli Maatta trade in October. The 24-year-old has split his 2021 season between the AHL and ECH, scoring three goals and two assists in six games with Rockford (AHL). He'll likely report to Syracuse (AHL).
