Canadiens Eye Another Major Move After Dobson Deal
Fresh off a significant acquisition that saw star defenseman Noah Dobson join the Montreal Canadiens, General Manager Kent Hughes appears to be far from finished in his quest to reshape the team. The Canadiens, currently sitting atop the Atlantic Division with a 9-3-2 record, are reportedly actively exploring options to further bolster their roster.
According to various reports, Hughes has been diligently working the phones, gauging the availability of impactful players who could elevate the Canadiens' chances of making a deep playoff run. Montreal possesses a number of assets that make them a desirable trading partner, including $6.5 million in cap space, a deep prospect pool, and six picks in the first four rounds of the next NHL draft.
The primary area of focus for the Canadiens seems to be the acquisition of a top-tier center to solidify their second line. While Nick Suzuki has cemented his place as the team's top-line center, finding a suitable player to center the second line remains a priority. Several names have been linked to the Canadiens in recent weeks, including veteran players like Nazem Kadri, Brayden Schenn, and Ryan O'Reilly.
Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames has been a recurring name in Montreal trade rumors. However, acquiring Kadri might prove challenging due to his $7 million annual salary cap hit through 2028-29 and concerns about his past conduct. Some analysts believe the Flames may be entering a rebuild and could be willing to move Kadri, while others suggest that the Flames owner does not want to move Kadri. Montreal Gazette columnist Jack Todd has expressed reservations about Kadri's fit with the Canadiens, citing his contract and disciplinary history.
Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues and Ryan O'Reilly are also potential targets for the Canadiens. Schenn, 34, carries a $6.5 million cap hit for this year plus two more years, while O'Reilly has a $4.5 million cap hit just for this year.
Elliotte Friedman noted that Montreal is perceived around the league as a team preparing to build toward winning and that the Canadiens might be on the verge of taking the next step, which would be a big move. Friedman stated that the organization could try to land a top-tier center and that Montreal has what it takes to pull off that kind of trade, including salary cap space and young players they can move.
While acquiring a center appears to be the Canadiens' main objective, they may also explore adding a top-six caliber scoring winger. General Manager Kent Hughes has shown a willingness to make bold moves, as evidenced by the acquisition of Noah Dobson. The Canadiens sent the No. 16 and No. 17 overall picks, along with forward Emil Heineman, to the Islanders for Dobson, a 25-year-old defenseman. Dobson's arrival is expected to bolster the Canadiens' defensive core and provide valuable puck-moving skills.
With a strong start to the season, ample cap space, and a wealth of prospects and draft picks, the Montreal Canadiens are well-positioned to make another significant addition to their roster. Whether it's a top-line center or another impactful forward, Kent Hughes is clearly determined to continue building a team capable of competing for a Stanley Cup.
