It’s the kind of trade rumor that can split a fanbase in seconds—and this one has Canadiens supporters buzzing, debating, and even arguing online. Just as Montreal’s young core is generating excitement for the future, a bold proposal has surfaced that could shake the very foundation of the team.

On Instagram, a user has suggested trading superstar Cole Caufield, one of the franchise’s most beloved and dynamic forwards, for Buffalo’s towering center Tage Thompson.

The idea isn’t just controversial—it’s sparking heated reactions everywhere, with some fans calling it madness while others wonder if it could be the missing piece for a championship run.

Caufield, fresh off a breakout season and poised to become a 50-goal scorer, is seen by many as untouchable. But with Montreal’s roster evolving, new faces arriving, and the front office making aggressive moves, nothing seems impossible anymore.

What would it mean for the Canadiens to part ways with their fan favorite? Could Thompson’s size and scoring ability outweigh the risks of losing Caufield’s electric presence? And what do insiders and fans really think about this blockbuster idea? The answers—and the drama—are just beginning to unfold.

Montreal Canadiens logo (left) Buffalo Sabres logo (right)

Photo credit: NHL

Cole Caufield is one of the most popular players on the Montreal Canadiens and forms an excellent line alongside Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky.

On Instagram, a user just proposed a mock trade involving Caufield, and his suggestion is far from unanimous!

The future looks very promising for the Canadiens, and the organization is counting on many highly talented young players.

Juraj Slafkovsky, the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, continues to spend a lot of time on the ice to improve certain aspects of his game.

Acquired by Kent Hughes from the Columbus Blue Jackets in August 2024, Patrik Laine is determined to have a stellar 2025-26 season and is putting in maximum effort in training. The Finnish star even sent a message to his critics, saying not to bet against him in the upcoming season.

Captain Nick Suzuki recorded 89 points and could now reach the prestigious 100-point mark. The team will feature new faces with the arrivals of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc. Additionally, everything indicates that Kent Hughes is not finished with his summer shopping.

Many will be closely watching the performance of forward Ivan Demidov, as he prepares to start his rookie NHL season. According to most experts, the Russian is the favorite to win the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie, with the most recent winner being his compatriot Lane Hutson.

He suggests the Montreal Canadiens trade Cole Caufield to acquire Tage Thompson

While Cole Caufield could reach the 50-goal mark in 2025-26, one user believes Montreal should instead involve him in a trade to acquire Tage Thompson from the Buffalo Sabres.

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The proposal would send Caufield along with prospect Owen Beck, a 2026 first-round pick (top 10 protected), and a 2027 third-round pick in exchange for Thompson.

Quickly, his suggestion drew criticism from some Canadiens fans.

Even though Tage Thompson scored 44 goals and 72 points in 2024-25, I wouldn’t take the risk of trading Cole Caufield. After a 37-goal, 70-point season, the Canadiens forward has plenty of talent to score over 50 next season.

We like Tage Thompson’s size and skill, but we also love Cole Caufield. From our side, little number 13 is untouchable. How about you?