The Montreal Canadiens are hoping to contend in 2025-26. They made the Stanley Cup Playoffs as a wild card team in 2025. However, they do not want to be a wild card this time around. The Habs are motivated to contend in the Atlantic Division if their offseason is any indication.
The Canadiens made one significant move, but it was truly impactful. Montreal traded for Noah Dobson in a deal with the New York Islanders at the 2025 NHL Draft. The Habs sent Emil Heineman and two 2025 first-round picks to Long Island to complete the deal.
Dobson was a shot across the bow from Canadiens management. They believe their 2024-25 performance was no fluke. And they see Dobson as a piece that takes them from fringe contender to established postseason team.
However, this is not a perfect roster. No roster really is, so this is to be expected. But there is a clear area of need for the Canadiens entering 2024-25: center depth. The Habs need bodies down the middle to give them a better chance.
With this in mind, Heavy.com proposes the following trade between the Canadiens and their Atlantic Division rival, the Buffalo Sabres:
Montreal Canadiens acquire: Peyton Krebs
Buffalo Sabres acquire: Daniil Sobolev
Peyton Krebs Is A Popular Trade Candidate
Rebecca Villagracia/Getty ImagesPeyton Krebs could benefit from a trade away from the Buffalo Sabres.
This is not the first time Krebs has been connected to the Canadiens in trade discussions. The 24-year-old forward has been identified as a potential trade candidate for a while now. It seems as if he may need a move to spark his game again.
The Sabres acquired Krebs in the Jack Eichel trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. He was seen as a potential top-six forward when he was drafted in the first round during the 2019 NHL Draft. However, he has yet to live up to that potential.
Krebs did post career-best offensive numbers in 2024-25. He reached double digits in goals for the first time, scoring 10 goals and 28 points. In saying this, he has found himself playing the fourth line at times in Buffalo.
At this time, it appears as if Krebs will once again anchor the fourth line. After a career-best season, though, it would be worth seeing what he can do in a more prominent role. The Canadiens have the space to give him that role this upcoming season.
Canadiens Deal From Strength In Krebs Trade Pitch
The Canadiens are giving up an intriguing player in this deal. Sobolev is a Russian defenseman who has made his mark in the KHL’s minor leagues. He is a former fifth-round pick, but he has some intriguing potential.
Sobolev is a very aggressive defender who doesn’t take shifts off. He is more than willing to block shots and throw the body when his number is called. Add in his right-handed shot, and there is some value here.
The Sabres have a very good left side of their blueline. At the same time, they could use more depth on the right side. Buffalo would need to convince Sobolev to move to North America if they made this trade. His upside in the NHL would make it worth the risk, though.
New Canadiens Trade Pitch Lands Ex-Golden Knights Draft Pick