As the Montreal Canadiens prepare for the upcoming NHL season, one pressing issue looms larger than any other: the search for a reliable second-line center. With Kirby Dach’s uncertain recovery and the clock ticking down to opening night, the pressure is mounting on GM Kent Hughes to make a bold move that could reshape the team’s fortunes.

But in the high-stakes world of NHL trades, nothing comes without a price—and recent reports suggest that Hughes may be willing to make a sacrifice that few fans saw coming.

The Hockey Writers have uncovered intriguing details about what the Canadiens might be prepared to offer in their pursuit of a game-changing center, hinting at a possible trade involving one of Montreal’s most important players. As rival teams like the Vancouver Canucks join the hunt for the same type of talent, the competition is heating up, and every decision could have lasting consequences for the Habs.

With names like Pavel Zacha now officially on the market, the situation is evolving rapidly. What will Kent Hughes do next? Who might be leaving Montreal to fill this critical gap? The answers—and the drama behind them—promise to keep fans guessing until the very last moment.

Photo of Canadiens GM Kent Hughes

Photo credit: NHL

The last file to settle for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, before the start of the regular season, is obviously that of the second-line center.

However, to receive, you obviously have to give.

And speaking of giving, the site The Hockey Writers recently looked into the matter, in order to determine what the Montreal Canadiens would be willing to trade, to acquire their much-needed second-line center.

Knowing that Kirby Dach is still not 100% recovered, and that he seems on track to miss the start of the season, a solution is needed.

The Canadiens are not alone. The Vancouver Canucks have exactly the same issue, and they are interested in precisely this type of player.

The Montreal Canadiens and the Vancouver Canucks: the immediate search for a second-line center

The story does not say what they would be willing to give in exchange, but as for Kent Hughes and the Habs, THW reveals this.

“If management has set the objective of finding a medium-term solution to the lack of depth at center on the NHL roster, then a trade of Mike Matheson could be their best option.”

– THW

Following the acquisition of Noah Dobson, don’t be surprised if Matheson is the one Kent Hughes trades, in order to acquire this much-needed second-line center.

It will be an interesting competition between Montreal and Vancouver to acquire such a center.

And speaking of a second-line center, here are two who are officially available, including the excellent Pavel Zacha (6-foot-3), who is 28 years old.

If I were Kent Hughes, it’s clear that I would be inquiring to try and acquire Zacha.