Canadiens sitting Chiarot ahead of trade deadline

The Montreal Canadiens are sitting defenseman Ben Chiarot for Tuesday's contest versus the Arizona Coyotes, head coach Martin St. Louis confirmed.

The decision was made by management to protect the blue-liner from injury leading up to Monday's trade deadline. Chiarot, a pending unrestricted free agent, is highly likely to be dealt.

Chiarot has reportedly drawn plenty of interest league-wide. The 30-year-old has registered 18 points in 54 games this season while logging over 23 minutes per night along with 91 blocks and 110 hits.

He's spent the last three seasons in Montreal after six with the Winnipeg Jets.