The Montreal Canadiens are a team that have been wanting to make more moves this offseason as they gear up for another potential playoff run this year following a successful 2025 season.
However, they previously had not had the sufficient cap space available in order to pull off any major maneuvers. That reality has now changed following the recent trade of former Vezina goalie Carey Price’s contract to San Jose.
With over $4 million to the good in regards to cap flexibility, Montreal now has the means to get active in the trade market and add to their roster in order to bolster their hopes of contention in this 2026 season.
What moves may Montreal make?
If Montreal is to make a big splash, it will likely be up front at the forward position. James Wilson of “NHLTradeRumors” stated an addition would be most likely at 2nd line center as this is the teams greatest need at the moment.
For now, Montreal is banking on one of Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook taking the reigns and asserting themselves as viable options at 2C. But the Canadiens have already given both players their fair share of chances there with neither proving themselves thus far.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has already shown that they have raised the aggression meter this offseason with the Noah Dobson trade being just one example of that. This latest Price move shows they have manned the battle stations in order to have the ammo to keep adding if they wish down the line. The Habs will be a team to watch for the foreseeable future as we wait and see what further moves they have up their sleeve.
