There is no secret that the Montreal Canadiens would love to make a trade in the coming weeks. The Habs have been linked with targeting a quality center for months now. A move in this direction would certainly make sense. Nick Suzuki is the team’s clear-cut top center, but they undoubtedly lack depth at the position.
While Canadiens execs remain in the market for a true 2C, injuries have forced management to be flexible in their pursuits. Forwards Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, and Kirby Dach highlight the team’s current list of long-term injuries. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun and TSN’s Darren Dreger are now claiming that Montreal is also open to trading for a winger.
According to LeBrun, the Canadiens were already discussing potential trades with teams even before the aforementioned injuries. Nevertheless, the setbacks have essentially amplified these discussions. Outside of trades, the reporter also claimed that Montreal was in negotiations with David Kampf before the veteran opted to sign with the Vancouver Canucks.
Montreal Canadiens now Being Linked with Veteran Duo
GettyThe Montreal Canadiens have previously shown interest in St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou.
Montreal’s altered trade plans could very well help reignite talks with the St. Louis Blues about star Jordan Kyrou. LeBrun reports that Montreal previously discussed a move for the winger during the 2024-25 season. This was notably before Kyrou’s full no-trade clause kicked in. It remains to be seen if Kyrou would be open to waving this stipulation to join the Canadiens in the near future.
Kyrou’s future has been in doubt since he was benched by Blues head coach Jim Montgomery in early November due to the team’s overall struggles. The winger previously scored 70 points during the 2024-25 campaign and has racked up six goals and five assists in 19 matchups so far this season.
Nashville Predators star Jonathan Marchessault may become an option for the Canadiens as well. The 34-year-old forward would bring a veteran presence to the youngest team in the league. Machessault, however, is experiencing a down year so far with just six points in 17 games. Montreal could hope that the star would experience a boost playing in a better team.
Canadiens Finding it Hard to Find Trade Partner at the Moment
The biggest problem for the Canadiens, as well as every other team looking to improve via trade, is that teams are not ready to pull the plug on their season just yet. Various reporters have claimed that the Calgary Flames and Blues are willing to listen to offers for their players, though.
Nazem Kadri is Calgary’s marquee player to be linked with a potential move. Nevertheless, the Flames have rebuffed any offer for the forward so far. Kadri also appears set to play the waiting game regarding his future. Calgary is building a new area, and team execs do not want to go through a rebuild when it finally opens in 2027.
Although the Canadiens want to add offensive talent imminently, their biggest problem is defense. Montreal is allowing an average of 3.37 goals per game at the moment. This figure is currently eighth-worst in the entire league. Their penalty kick rate of 78.5% ranks 19th among NHL teams as well.
Goaltending is undoubtedly a main concern in this department. The Canadiens have a combined save percentage of just .871% to start the season. Only three other NHL teams have a lower save rate. Sam Montembeault entered the 2025-26 campaign as the undisputed starter between the pipes. His subpar play, however, has opened the door for rookie Jakub Dobes.
Canadiens Shifting Trade Focus as Talks Intensify