The NHL offseason has wasted no time delivering its first major surprises, as two of the league’s most promising young talents have officially hit the trade market. With the dust barely settled from the regular season, the hockey world is already buzzing with speculation and anticipation.

Teams looking to make a significant splash this summer now have their eyes firmly set on Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram and Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi—both just 23 years old and brimming with untapped potential. Their sudden availability has sent shockwaves through front offices across the league, and for a team like the Montreal Canadiens, the opportunity to add such impactful players could be a game-changer.

As Kent Hughes and his staff weigh their options, fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether Montreal will make a bold move to reshape their roster and accelerate their path back to contention. With so much at stake and the trade market heating up, this developing story promises to be one of the most compelling narratives of the offseason.

Dec 21, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (23) shoots Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (8) on defense in the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

For the first time since the end of the NHL regular season, we officially have action on the trade market. This could be of interest to Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

Knowing that the Habs are likely to be involved in multiple files this summer, it will be interesting to see if Hughes gets involved in these two particular cases.

First, it has just been reported that the Buffalo Sabres are officially listening to offers for their excellent defenseman Bowen Byram.

He is available on the trade market, according to the excellent Elliotte Friedman:

“According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Sabres are listening to offers for the 23-year-old defenseman who will become a restricted free agent this summer.”

– Via TVA Sports

This will be a situation to monitor closely, but that’s not all.

Bowen Byram and Marco Rossi have officially been placed on the NHL trade market: these are the first two big names to surface during the 2025 offseason

In Rossi’s case, we’re talking about a solid center who could certainly be a strong second-line center in the NHL.

That could potentially be interesting for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

Rossi is really good:

If Marco Rossi is indeed traded, expect it to quickly improve the center line of the team that acquires him.

Only 23 years old, he recorded 60 points in 82 games this season with the Minnesota Wild, including 24 goals, while posting a positive plus-minus of +3.