Montreal’s fascination with Alexis Lafrenière is about to reach fever pitch as dramatic new developments shake up the NHL rumor mill.

With the New York Rangers reeling from a disappointing season and embarking on a roster overhaul, Lafrenière’s future in the Big Apple is suddenly uncertain—and the Canadiens are right in the middle of the conversation.

Sources now suggest Montreal could be in the running to land the talented Quebecer, but the path to a blockbuster trade is anything but straightforward.

As the Rangers seek immediate reinforcements and weigh their options, questions swirl around what Montreal would need to offer—and whether the price is too steep for Kent Hughes and his management team.

The intrigue doesn’t end there: the potential departure of superstar Artemi Panarin adds another layer of suspense, with his name also linked to the Canadiens for reasons that go far beyond simple speculation.

With high-profile contracts, playoff experience, and a growing Russian connection in Montreal’s lineup, the stakes have never been higher.

Which players could be on the move, and what would it mean for the future of both franchises? The answers could reshape the landscape of the NHL. Read on to discover the full story behind these explosive rumors.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Montrealers have always shown a particular interest in Alexis Lafrenière, and the latest news about him will certainly not change that.

According to multiple sources, he could be traded by the New York Rangers.

This follows the miserable 2024-2025 season of the Blue Shirts, who didn’t even qualify for the playoffs despite being among the favorites to win the ultimate prize at the start of the campaign.

If the team doesn’t want to embark on a rebuild like the Canadiens did with the arrival of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, GM Chris Drury seems to want to go for a good old reset.

To do this, he traded Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller this summer while adding JT Miller, Vladislav Gavrikov, Scott Morrow, and Taylor Raddysh to the lineup.

But where does Alexis Lafrenière fit into all this?

The Canadiens should trade for “immediate reinforcement” in a deal for Alexis Lafrenière

According to David Pagnotta, he could leave the Big Apple in exchange for immediate reinforcement in a significant trade.

David Pagnotta: Re Rangers: Lafreniere, do they look at that? To try to make a big bold hockey type move?; I think almost everything would be under consideration if this team gets off to a poor start – Campbell vs Gallo (8/18)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 26, 2025

One wonders exactly what the Rangers could receive in return for the Quebecer, but at least we know they want immediate help.

He has not experienced the expected success since his debut in the big league.

While the 2023-2024 season was positive not only because of his offensive production (57 points in 82 games) but also for his overall play, last year was more difficult. He only totaled 45 points, including 17 goals, in 82 games in 2024-2025.

Moreover, his 7-year contract worth $7.45M per season, which starts now, could deter several teams from acquiring him.

Canadiens players who could provide immediate help for the Rangers include Josh Anderson and Mike Matheson. Both are veteran leaders who bring grit and valuable playoff experience. To make a deal work, Montreal would likely need to add a few draft picks.

Artemi Panarin could also leave the Rangers

Pagnotta adds to the Rangers’ file by mentioning that none other than Artemi Panarin could also find himself on the trade market.

The 33-year-old forward will enter the final season of his 7-year, $81.5M contract. For now, there seems to be no discussion of a contract extension.

It would therefore not be surprising if, should things continue this way, his name pops up in trade rumors-especially if the Rangers have another miserable season.

Naturally, Panarin would be linked to the Canadiens if he ever hits the market.

The connection is easy to make since it was Jeff Gorton who gave him that big contract years ago.

As Félix Forget from DLC recalls, Panarin also considered signing in Montreal when he came to the NHL in 2015.

It should also not be forgotten that the Canadiens increasingly have Russian-origin players in their organization, including a certain Ivan Demidov..

It will be interesting to follow this file, whether at the next trade deadline or next July 1st.