Photo credit: All Habs / NHL
The new shift by the Vancouver Canucks completely changes the center market and could offer a real opening for the Canadiens, even if nothing is clear yet.
For months, as we know, the Vancouver Canucks really wanted to add a center. Every time a player became available, their name immediately resurfaced in rumors.
Brisebois also reminds us that:
“Even if J. T. Miller was there recently, the idea of trading him remained an inevitable step.”
The problem is that the market never truly opened in 2025.
There were very few centers available for trade, and no-trade clauses complicated everything. As a result:
“The Canucks simply weren’t able to get the reinforcement they wanted.” – Brisebois added
“The Vancouver Canucks have let it be known that – in an effort to get younger – they are willing to listen to offers on “veteran players.”
– Friedman
That means they’re heading toward a difficult season, not toward acquiring a center. And that’s where things get very interesting for Montreal.
Because a Canucks team in sell mode means one less rival in the race to acquire a center in the coming months. Good news for Kent Hughes!
Brisebois also points out that this shift clearly removes a team from the Canadiens’ path in an already very limited market.
For once, the market is finally turning in the right direction for the Canadiens.
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How Vancouver’s new direction could give the Canadiens an unexpected advantage
Do you think the Vancouver Canucks pulling out of the search for a center really helps the Montreal Canadiens?