The NHL offseason is always a breeding ground for wild rumors and blockbuster trade scenarios, but few whispers have sent as many shockwaves through the hockey world as the latest speculation surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens.

As both franchises stand at pivotal crossroads—one seeking a fresh start, the other desperate for salary cap relief—insiders are buzzing about a potential deal that could reshape the future of both clubs.

At the center of this swirling storm is a legendary goaltender whose name still commands respect across the league, despite his skates gathering dust.

But this rumored trade isn’t just about a famous contract; it’s about high-stakes strategy, big-name departures, and a jaw-dropping package that could leave fans on both sides reeling.

What would the Blackhawks have to give up to make this deal work, and what hidden benefits could they gain in the process?

Could this be the boldest move of GM Kyle Davidson’s tenure, or just another offseason fantasy?

The details, if true, are nothing short of stunning—and the potential fallout could ripple across the NHL for years to come. Read on to discover what’s really on the table in this sensational trade proposal.

Carey Price

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Carey Price’s contract still eats a sizable amount of the Montreal Canadiens’ salary cap, and if Kyle Davidson was bold enough to trade for what essentially is a cap dump, what could the Chicago Blackhawks receive in return?

The Montreal Canadiens will come looking for cap relief after September 1st. The veteran NHL goalie Carey Price, who unfortunately will never lace up his skates again, will be known by his deeds and his sizable contract.

$10.5 million AAV, which, at one point until Igor Shesterkin came along, was the highest valued contract for a goalie.

The Blackhawks could weaponize their cap space and take on his contract in order to relieve their trading partners of that burden.

But for the Blackhawks, fans will wonder, what could GM Kyle Davidson receive in return?

NHL Analyst Tab Bamford shared a hypothetical trade that would see both teams receive a haul:

Canadiens acquire:

Laurent Brossoit
Lukas Reichel
Chicago’s 2026 second-round pick
Toronto’s 2026 second-round pick
Vancouver’s 2027 second-round pick

Blackhawks acquire:

Carey Price’s contract ($10.5M cap hit)
Montreal’s 2026 first-round pick
Montreal’s 2027 first-round pick

The Blackhawks would be able to offload Lukas Reichel and Laurent Brossoit in return for Carey Price and two 1st-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027.

Reichel could get a fresh start in Montreal, along with Brossoit, who’s been hurt his entire time in Chicago. A benchwarmer, unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond his control.

Brossoit, a former Stanley Cup winner, could be the backup to Sam Montembeault, the Canadiens’ starting goalie.

The Blackhawks would only have to take on one year of Carey Price’s deal and offload pieces that need a new home, like Reichel.