What happened: Four established defensemen sit atop Montreal's depth chart. Training camp will determine who claims the final two regular lineup spots.
Why it matters: A deal would turn Montreal's blue-line surplus into support at a thinner position. It would also create clearer paths to full-time minutes for the defensemen who remain.
By the numbers: Five defensemen are competing for two regular lineup spots behind the established top four.
What to watch: Watch for talks to develop and the unresolved contract situation to move before training camp.