The Montreal Canadiens enter the 2025 offseason with a renewed sense of optimism after making a surprise playoff appearance. General Manager Kent Hughes faces several key decisions that will shape the team's trajectory. Here are the top storylines to watch:

1. NHL Draft Strategy: To Pick or to Trade?

The Canadiens possess two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in the upcoming NHL Draft. This enviable position gives them flexibility. They could use both picks to add to their prospect pool, or package one or both to move up in the draft or acquire an established player.

Several factors will influence Hughes's decision. One is the perceived strength of the draft class. Players like smooth-skating defenseman Logan Hensler, playmaker Ben Kindel, and rugged KaShawn Aitcheson have been linked to the Canadiens. Another factor is the cost of acquiring an impact player via trade. The Canadiens have a surplus of prospects and draft picks, making them well-positioned to make a deal. They have expressed interest in acquiring a top-six forward or a right-shot defenseman.

Potential trade candidates include Josh Anderson and Alex Newhook. Moving Anderson's $5.5 million cap hit would free up money to sign a big-name talent. Newhook, a former first-round pick, hasn't lived up to expectations in Montreal and could be used as a trade chip to acquire an impactful forward. The Canadiens are also reportedly open to moving prospect Logan Mailloux and one of their first-round picks.

2. Free Agency: Fine-Tuning the Roster

While the Canadiens are unlikely to make a splash in free agency, they will look to address specific needs. One area of focus is center depth. If Christian Dvorak doesn't return, the Canadiens will lack depth down the middle. Anthony Beauvillier could be a target, as he can play both wing and center. He has expressed interest in playing for Montreal if he doesn't re-sign with the Washington Capitals. Other potential free-agent targets include veterans Matt Duchene, Mikael Granlund, John Tavares and Claude Giroux.

Another area of need is a right-shot defenseman. With David Savard's future uncertain, the Canadiens may look to add a short-term stopgap on the right side of the defense. The free-agent market isn't strong for right-shot defensemen, so the Canadiens may explore the trade market.

The Canadiens also have decisions to make on their own free agents. Dvorak, Joel Armia, and Michael Pezzetta are all unrestricted free agents. Dvorak is the most likely to return. Cayden Primeau is a restricted free agent, but his future with the team is uncertain.

3. Extending Lane Hutson

Defenseman Lane Hutson is eligible for a contract extension. Hutson had a strong first full NHL season and is considered a core player. Signing him to a long-term extension will be a priority for Hughes.

4. Goaltending Depth

The Canadiens have a promising goaltending pipeline with Samuel Montembeault, Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler. Cayden Primeau's future with the team is uncertain, so the Canadiens may look to add goaltending depth via free agency or trade.

5. Trading Carey Price's Contract

Carey Price hasn't played since 2022 due to a knee injury and is unlikely to return. His contract has been on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) for the past three seasons. The Canadiens have had to use LTIR every season since then, which has limited their financial flexibility. Offloading Price's contract to a team looking to reach the salary cap floor would give the Canadiens more cap space and eliminate the potential for a carryover penalty.

The Montreal Canadiens have the assets and flexibility to make significant changes this offseason. The decisions Kent Hughes makes in the coming weeks will determine whether the team can take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention.