As the NHL trade rumor mill heats up, two of hockey’s most storied franchises—the Chicago Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadiens—find themselves at the center of an intriguing new development.

With insider reports swirling and speculation mounting, the possibility of a significant trade between these teams has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.

The Blackhawks, facing a season of transition and looking to move several expiring contracts, appear ready to shake up their roster. Meanwhile, the Canadiens, fresh off a playoff return, are hungry to fill key gaps and continue their upward trajectory.

But what’s truly fascinating is the latest buzz about a potential deal involving a center that could instantly change Montreal’s lineup.

TSN’s Travis Yost has raised eyebrows with his comments, hinting at a move that might not only address the Canadiens’ immediate needs but also impact Chicago’s long-term strategy.

With names like Jason Dickinson entering the conversation, the stakes have suddenly become much higher. What makes this rumored trade so compelling?

Who stands to benefit the most—and could it be the missing piece for a deep playoff run? The details behind these negotiations promise surprises, and the outcome could reshape both teams in ways few expect.

Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens logos.

Photo credit: NHL.com

An insider from TSN suggested that the Chicago Blackhawks could complete a trade with the Montreal Canadiens including a center.

Rumors suggest that the Chicago Blackhawks are poised to make several trades in the coming year, at least to move players whose contracts expire at the end of the current season.

These players include Connor Murphy
, Ilya Mikheyev, team captain Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, Sam Lafferty, and goalie Laurent Brossoit.

Teams looking to add rental reinforcements to their lineup before the playoffs could be interested in completing a trade with the Blackhawks.

According to a major statement from TSN’s Travis Yost, one of those deals could involve the Montreal Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens to Target Centerman from Chicago Blackhawks, per New Report

The Montreal Canadiens managed to make the playoffs last season, returning for the first time since reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2021.

Their rebuild is a strong example of what the Blackhawks aim to achieve, but they still have a few holes to fill in their lineup, including at center.

In an interview on the Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro, Yost questioned Dickinson’s long-term future in Chicago and how he could improve the Canadiens.

Here’s what he said:

“This group has real juice in the top six. This is not going to be a playoff team. Does Jason Dickinson make a ton of sense for the Blackhawks long-term? I think that’s an interesting question. He’s definitely a capable third-line center. He immediately improves Montreal if he comes into Montreal.”

Dickinson, 30, scored 16 points in 59 games.

He also posted a respectable -11 +/-, playing a defensive, penalty-killing role with the offensively struggling Blackhawks.

The player could also fit in other organizations.

Teams such as the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators, and many more could be potential destinations.