The Montreal Canadiens are making waves across the NHL rumor mill, with whispers of a major move that could reshape the team’s future.

As speculation intensifies, all eyes are on the front office in Montreal, where General Manager Kent Hughes appears to be orchestrating something big—potentially involving one of the franchise’s most iconic names.

While the details remain shrouded in secrecy, insiders suggest that the Canadiens are on the brink of a decision that could send shockwaves through the league and ignite the hopes of fans craving a return to championship contention.

Recent developments have hinted at a bold strategy, one that involves freeing up salary cap space and targeting a crucial position that has eluded the team for seasons. With the opening night fast approaching, the pressure is mounting for Montreal to make a statement.

But who exactly are they after, and what will it take to get the deal done? Rumors swirl about draft picks, blockbuster trades, and surprise candidates, but the full story is yet to be revealed.

As the Canadiens prepare to pull the trigger on a move that could define their season, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: will this be the moment that changes everything? Read on to uncover the latest twists and turns in Montreal’s high-stakes pursuit.

The Montreal Canadiens.

Photo credit: NHL.com

The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly preparing to trade Carey Price’s contract, and if that’s the case, they’re targeting a big time 2C behind captain Nick Suzuki.

Over the past few days, it’s become clear that it’s a matter of when, not if the Montreal Canadiens can trade can trade Carey Price’s contract, with teams needing to get to the salary floor reportedly interested in acquiring his deal.

It’s unclear as of right now what the offer would be to get a deal done, although GM Kent Hughes and the Canadiens are seemingly willing to attach draft capital to Price’s deal to make it happen.

Montreal’s Search for a Reliable 2C Behind Suzuki

What we do know however is what the team are looking for if they can unload Price’s contract, and that is a reliable 2C behind Nick Suzuki, with the team currently slated to use Kirby Dach in that role.

While talented, Dach hasn’t shown the ability to consistently produce or stay healthy at the NHL level, meaning that he’s more suited to a 3C role while pushing Alex Newhook to the fourth line, with the team clearly needing to add a star.

Will the Habs Land a Last-Minute Trade Before Opening Night?

It’s unclear exactly who the Canadiens are targeting, but with wingers like Ivan Demidov, Patrik Laine and Zach Bolduc all candidates for the role, it would be a fantastic position to be in for any centre in the National Hockey League.

According to Marco D’Amico, if the team can’t find a trade before the season, it’s something that they’ll explore again at the trade deadline, but as of right now, it appears they’ll be very active in searching for a 2C.

In his report, D’Amico reveals that the team have got some targets, and if they can’t get a deal done with any of them, they’ll re-engage later in the season, with the team looking to use their salary cap space to add a star down the middle behind Suzuki to once again become a genuine Stanley Cup threat.