Montreal Canadiens fans are no strangers to trade rumors, but the latest whispers surrounding the team have sparked a wave of speculation and excitement across the hockey world.

With General Manager Kent Hughes at the helm, the Canadiens’ front office is once again making headlines—and this time, the chatter is louder than ever.

A recent appearance by Pierre McGuire on Tony Marinaro’s popular Sick Podcast has only added fuel to the fire, hinting that a major move could be on the horizon for Montreal. As fans anxiously await updates on the Carey Price contract situation, the possibility of a blockbuster trade looms large, with insiders suggesting that the Canadiens may be closer than ever to acquiring a top-tier center to bolster their lineup.

But who could be on the move, and what will it take for Montreal to land the player they need? With names like Jared McCann, Marco Rossi, and Nazem Kadri swirling in the rumor mill, the stakes have never been higher—or the possibilities more intriguing.

Could Kent Hughes be preparing to pull off a deal that will reshape the team’s future? The full story is more complex—and surprising—than you might think. Read on to uncover the latest developments.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes

Photo credit: All Habs

Passing through Tony Marinaro’s Sick Podcast, Pierre McGuire predicted that the Canadiens will make another trade.

Once they have resolved the Carey Price contract situation.

While rumors surrounded Seattle Kraken center Jared McCan yesterday, Pierre McGuire’s appearance on Tony Marinaro’s Sick Podcast did nothing to calm fans eager to see Kent Hughes acquire a center capable of leading the 2nd line before the season starts.

Pierre McGuire Seems Convinced Another Trade Is Brewing on Kent Hughes’ Side

As journalist Marco D’Amico pointed out last week, the renowned insider believes that the Montreal Canadiens will move Carey Price’s contract before acquiring an offensively-minded center.

“Will they be able to trade Carey Price’s contract? If they can do it, they will make another trade to get a center.”
– Pierre McGuire, on the Sick Podcast

You can listen to the clip in question below.

Jared McCan, the Solution for the 2nd Line Center?

The Hockey News states that Jared McCann is a solid forward for the Montreal Canadiens

While the names Marco Rossi, Nazem Kadri, Jordan Kyrou, Jason Robertson, and Mason McTavish have been circulating in rumors for several weeks, you can now remove the latter from the list, as he is not available from Anaheim. Interestingly, The Hockey News believes that another forward would be an excellent candidate for the Tricolore, and that is Jared McCann from the Seattle Kraken.

At 29, McCann has posted 50-, 70-, 62-, and 61-point seasons since 2021. He also scored 40 goals during the 2022-23 season. DansLesCoulisses had also discussed the possibility of bringing the forward to the Montreal Canadiens recently. The depth at center on the Seattle side is significant, so they could decide to sacrifice McCann if the return matches what they are looking for. He can play center but also as a winger.

It will be interesting to follow this situation, especially since the Kraken have plenty of young centers eager to develop within the organization (notably Shane Wright).