As the Montreal Canadiens look to build on their recent playoff qualification, the franchise finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. With momentum on their side and a young core showing promise, the Habs are now positioned to become an attractive destination for established NHL veterans seeking one last shot at glory.

The buzz around Montreal is growing louder as management, led by Kent Hughes, actively explores ways to bolster the roster and address lingering weaknesses—most notably, the glaring need for a reliable second-line center.

Recent speculation from respected hockey insiders has only intensified the conversation, with names like Ryan O’Reilly emerging as potential targets. The veteran forward, renowned for his leadership and playoff pedigree, could represent the missing piece that transforms Montreal from a playoff hopeful into a legitimate contender.

As fans and analysts debate the merits of such a move, the stakes have never been higher for the Canadiens’ front office. Every decision made this offseason will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come, and the possibility of adding a proven difference-maker like O’Reilly has injected a new level of excitement—and expectation—into the Montreal hockey scene.

Photo credit: Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

Now that the Montreal Canadiens have proven they can qualify for the playoffs, it becomes one more argument to attract players. Montreal could become a prime destination for veterans who absolutely want to make the playoffs, like Ryan O’Reilly.

In fact, in an article published in La Presse, journalist Mathias Brunet shared a few suggestions for centers the Montreal Canadiens could target this summer.

We know that Kent Hughes is aiming to acquire a center to play on the second line, and among the names proposed by the veteran journalist is Ryan O’Reilly.

Could he make a difference in a future Canadiens playoff run?

Could he be a quality reinforcement as early as next season?

Mathias Brunet suggests that Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens acquire forward Ryan O’Reilly

The Nashville Predators forward is in the second year of a four-year deal signed in the summer of 2023.

Predators GM Barry Trotz mentioned the word “rebuild” a few months ago.

To bring O’Reilly to Montreal, Brunet says he’d be willing to part with Logan Mailloux and a second-round pick.

“Ryan O’Reilly has two years left on his contract in Nashville.

He’s 34 years old.

He’s putting up decent numbers with 41 points in 61 games.

He’s mostly an undeniable leader. But the Predators will likely be greedy nonetheless.

A first-round pick for his services would be a waste.

Logan Mailloux and a second-round pick to fill a hole for a year or two?”

– Mathias Brunet via La Presse

I don’t hate the idea, especially since it would fill a clear and obvious need for the Canadiens, as we saw against the Washington Capitals in particular.