Imagine, for just a moment, a world where the unthinkable becomes reality: Connor McDavid, the undisputed superstar and captain of the Edmonton Oilers, wearing the iconic jersey of the Montreal Canadiens.

While it may sound like pure fantasy, there is a scenario—however unlikely—where this jaw-dropping trade could actually happen, and the hockey world would never be the same.

Recent developments have sent shockwaves through the NHL, with McDavid himself hinting that he’s weighing all his options for the future. As rumors swirl and speculation mounts, one question now hangs over both Edmonton and Montreal: What if the Oilers’ season goes off the rails, and their franchise player decides it’s time for a change?

Meanwhile, the Canadiens are quietly building something special, with the cap space, young talent, and ambition to make a truly blockbuster move. Could the stars align for a mid-season deal that would send McDavid to Montreal just in time for a playoff run? The possibilities are as thrilling as they are unpredictable.

What would it take for this dream scenario to unfold—and what would it mean for both franchises? The answers might just shock you. Read on to discover the full story behind this electrifying possibility.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid

Photo credit: NHL

There is a scenario, unlikely but possible, in which Connor McDavid is traded to Montreal at the trade deadline.

Imagine a world where Connor McDavid’s Oilers are having a miserable season, to the point where the best player in the world no longer considers extending his contract in Edmonton, while in Montreal, the Canadiens are having a good season.

Now, imagine the situation Stan Bowman, GM of the Oilers, would face at the trade deadline. Should he take the risk of losing Connor McDavid for nothing, or should he try to trade his superstar to a team that wants to go far in the playoffs?

You see where I’m going with this..

At the time of writing, if the Canadiens decided to start the season with Dach as the 2nd center and with the space available under their salary cap, the Canadiens would have more than enough room to accommodate Connor McDavid’s salary at the trade deadline.

And most importantly, they would have the assets necessary to allow the Oilers to limit their losses in such a scenario, unlike several top-ranking teams that have already traded away their future first-round picks.

There is a scenario in which Connor McDavid is traded to Montreal at the trade deadline

This week, Connor McDavid caused concern among Oilers fans by saying that he was considering ALL of his options at the end of the season, including taking advantage of the free-agent market.

One thing is certain: Connor McDavid, a class act, said this in the hope of motivating management and his teammates. If they have a season that clearly shows they are ready to support their star player, the Oilers won’t have to worry.

That said, if, as has been the case in the last two seasons, the Oilers go through horrendous stretches that make us doubt their status as a Stanley Cup contender, things will start to heat up in Edmonton-especially if they risk missing the playoffs.

In such a scenario, it is certain that Stan Bowman would listen to offers that would allow him not to lose McDavid for nothing. And since McDavid has a no-trade clause, he would probably only agree to join contending teams.

Do we even need to tell you that with a good season and the addition of a McDavid to their lineup, the Canadiens would be a Stanley Cup contender? Asking the question is answering it.