The Montreal Canadiens are facing a pivotal moment that could redefine their upcoming season, and the latest revelations have sent ripples of anticipation through the hockey community.

With uncertainty swirling around the second-line center position—a role crucial to the team’s offensive strategy—fans and insiders alike are bracing for a shakeup that few saw coming.

Recent comments from respected analyst Rick Springhetti have only intensified the speculation, hinting at a solution that might surprise even the most seasoned Canadiens followers.

As whispers grow louder about Kirby Dach’s potential absence at the season’s start, the question of who will step up in his place has become the hottest topic in Montreal.

While familiar names have been tossed into the ring, Springhetti’s fresh perspective is fueling new debates and igniting curiosity about the team’s direction.

Add to this the swirling rumors about Jack Roslovic’s future and the possibility of a last-minute free-agent move—perhaps not to Montreal, but to a rival contender—and you have a storyline packed with intrigue, uncertainty, and the promise of dramatic developments.

What exactly did Rick Springhetti reveal, and how might these decisions impact the Canadiens’ fortunes this year? Read on to uncover the full story behind Montreal’s second-line center mystery and the latest updates shaking up the NHL.

Photo credit: NHL

Rick Springhetti revealed some interesting information, in addition to commenting on the much-discussed second-line center position of the Montreal Canadiens.

Let’s start with that very second-line center spot in Montreal.

More and more, the signs are piling up that Kirby Dach may actually miss the start of the season, so a replacement will be needed “while waiting” for his return to play.. And unless there is a major surprise in the coming weeks, that replacement will come from within.

Names like Alex Newhook and Oliver Kapanen have already been suggested, but Rick Springhetti has another idea.

Jake Evans will start the season as the Montreal Canadiens’ second-line center replacing Kirby Dach, according to Rick Springhetti

That’s what he actually mentioned during the most recent edition of the “Recrutes Habscast.”

“Rick thinks Evans should center Laine and Demidov to start the season if Dach isn’t ready – I say give Kapanen a look.”

– Grant McCagg

And you, what is your opinion on this?

“Alex Newhook doesn’t have the ideal profile to play center, and the other options aren’t great either.”

Personally, I do believe that Jake Evans would indeed be the “safest” and least risky solution, but I can also understand the desire to see what an Oliver Kapanen could accomplish in such a role.

News on Jack Roslovic

The best center still available on the NHL free-agent market is indeed Roslovic.

I wonder if Kent Hughes is considering the idea of giving him a one-year contract, precisely because of the uncertainty surrounding Kirby Dach, but according to the most recent developments that have just emerged, he seems to be more closely linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Frank Seravalli: “I think the Maple Leafs are still very much in contention to get Jack Roslovic” – Bleacher Report

Situations to follow!