Since the opening days of summer, the NHL rumor mill has been buzzing with one name at its center: Jordan Kyrou. The dynamic St. Louis Blues forward has found himself at the heart of swirling trade speculation, with whispers growing louder about a potential blockbuster move involving the Montreal Canadiens.

But while the idea of Kyrou donning a Canadiens jersey has fans dreaming big, there are forces at play behind the scenes that make this saga far more complex—and fascinating—than your average off-season trade rumor.

Insiders have revealed that Montreal general manager Kent Hughes is keeping a close eye on the situation, but a crucial detail stands in the way: Kyrou’s ironclad no-trade clause.

As teams circle and negotiations intensify, the fate of this high-scoring star could come down to one pivotal moment—a single phone call that might alter the course of two franchises and send shockwaves through the entire NHL.

What’s really going on between the Blues and Canadiens? How close is a deal, and what would it take to convince Kyrou to waive his no-trade protection?

The answers are more dramatic than you might think, and the story is only just beginning.

Dec 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; St. Louis Blues center Jordan Kyrou (25) looks on during a practice session prior to the Winter Classic ice hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Since the start of the summer, the name Jordan Kyrou has frequently come up in various trade rumors around the NHL. His name has often been linked to Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

The St. Louis Blues forward is attracting interest from several teams – including, of course, the Montreal Canadiens – but he has a no-trade clause, which appears to complicate the possibility of a deal in his case.

At least, that’s what Frank Seravalli has reported, and according to the TSN insider, some general managers have called Blues GM Doug Armstrong, but Kyrou’s no-movement clause seems to be throwing a wrench into things.

Frank Seravalli: “I believe Jordan Kyrou’s name remains out there; there are other teams.. that have called to express interest; a lot of teams were hoping..if they could just have a conversation with the kid they could convince him to waive – Bleacher Report

– Frank Seravalli

A phone call could change everything in a trade involving Jordan Kyrou (and possibly the Montreal Canadiens)

Seravalli also mentioned that the 26-year-old still has six years remaining on his contract, which pays him an annual salary of $8.125 million, and any team looking to acquire him will need to have the cap space available. Kyrou scored 37 goals in 2022-23, and 36 last season.

As for the rumors linking Jordan Kyrou to the Montreal Canadiens, there have been many in recent weeks, but it appears Kent Hughes may not be ready to meet the price set by the Blues to acquire him.

It’s worth noting that the two teams already completed a trade on July 1st – the deal that sent Logan Mailloux in exchange for Quebecois forward Zachary Bolduc.

Will Doug Armstrong and Kent Hughes manage to strike another deal?

A phone call could absolutely change everything, as journalist Seravalli points out.