The Montreal Canadiens enter this offseason in a much different state than this time last year. They have since drafted Ivan Demidov at fifth overall from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and traded for Patrik Laine and Alexandre Carrier. The moves helped the young Habs squad qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2021. Last season, it seemed as though Montreal was a long way away from being a true playoff threat. However, after a surprising breakout year, the Canadiens may only be a few moves away from being a dangerous team. Let’s take a look at the Montreal Canadiens needs and wants in their offseason wishlist.
Montreal Canadiens Offseason Needs
Right-Shot Defenceman to Pair with Lane Hutson
Lane Hutson is coming off an outstanding rookie season that will likely see him take home the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year. Hutson was able to single-handedly transform a weak Montreal blueline. However, the Canadiens couldn’t find a reliable and consistent partner to play alongside him. Every defenceman on the roster was given an opportunity, with Kaiden Guhle and Jayden Struble finding the most success. Both Guhle and Struble are left-handed players, and Guhle, in particular, is better suited to play on his natural side long-term.
It’s clear Montreal needs to find a legitimate partner for Lane Hutson for next season. None of the current defensemen on the roster are ideal options. Prospects Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher are also still not ready for such a pivotal role. With David Savard also now retired, the right-side defensive hole needs to be addressed this offseason. Although unlikely, players like Noah Dobson and Rasmus Andersson could be viable trade options for Montreal. Aaron Ekblad is another big-name option, and he may very well hit free agency on July 1st.
Top-Six Winger
The Second major item on the Montreal Canadiens wishlist this offseason is a top-six winger. This is more of a want than a need, however. Montreal already has Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, and Patrik Laine on the wings. However, Laine showed inconsistencies last year, especially at 5-on-5 play. We can also expect to see some inconsistencies from Demidov throughout his rookie season. With this being said, acquiring a legitimate top-six winger would be in the team’s best interest if they want to compete.
There will be some big-name wingers in free agency this offseason, including superstar Mitch Marner. However, it’s unlikely the Canadiens or Marner will go down that route. Some more realistic and cost-effective options include Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Boeser. Veterans like Brad Marchand and Patrick Kane could also be on the open market and may be cheap short-term options.
True Second-Line Centre Targets this 2025 Montreal Canadiens Offseason
While wingers and defencemen are needed for Montreal, it’s no secret that their biggest need is down the middle. The Canadiens have been starved for a true second-line centre to play behind Nick Suzuki. The Canadiens current second-line centre has been Kirby Dach on the rare occasion that he’s been healthy, but more often than not, it has been Alex Newhook. Neither player has given Montreal consistent production to suggest they deserve the position. It’s becoming more clear that the duo is destined for the third-line centre role or a shift to the wing. With the likely departure of Christian Dvorak, there will be an open centre position for one of them to grab at training camp. However, Montreal needs a true second-line centre immediately. One who is capable of putting up 50+ points consistently and can play alongside skill players like Demidov and Laine.
Some options will certainly be available for the Canadiens on the open market. This includes Sam Bennett, John Tavares, and Matt Duchene. Some interesting RFAs also could be on Kent Hughes’ radar, such as Marco Rossi and Mason McTavish. The Canadiens have the draft capital and the assets to make a trade work. Whatever route they decide to go in, acquiring a second-line centre will be Hughes’ biggest task this offseason and one that will likely dictate the Montreal Canadiens 2025-26 season.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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