The Montreal Canadiens continue to look for forward reinforcements, the driving force behind the long list of rumours associated to the team in recent months.
The first thing we should discuss is that yes, the Habs are shopping for forwards. They’ve been looking to add a legitimate No.2 centre since last season, and they continue to be among the most active teams in the NHL’s Trade Market when it comes to inquiring about potential price tags.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is imminent, as Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes tend to put a focus on performing due diligence. In other words, for the most part, we can assume they’re simply doing their homework.
It’s always a good idea to take trade rumours with a grain of salt.
With that in mind, let’s discuss the most recent Montreal Canadiens rumours.
Montreal Canadiens Trade Rumours
Darren Dreger mentioned the Canadiens while discussing the Vancouver Canucks and the St-Louis Blues, and though is comments echo an abundance of similar reports from weeks and months past, the Canucks do seem open to trading some of their players, particularly those who are set to become free agents this summer.
Darren Dreger: I keep looking at Montreal…one of those teams that most definitely is continually kicking tires on the potential of a fit with [the Blues] and some of the assets that they have up front – Sekeres & Price (12/1)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) December 2, 2025
The report aligns with what Pierre LeBrun recently suggested when discussing Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood. He thinks the Habs are among the many teams that have inquired as to the cost of acquisition.
Sherwood, 30, can play as a winger or a centre, though his faceoff efficiency leaves much to be desired. He’s won just 38% of his draws this year, and has a career average of just 46%.
He’s currently on pace for a 36-goal, 12-assist prorated season, and occupies the second-line left-wing position in the Canucks lineup. His defensive numbers are usually solid, but they’ve suffered a considerable downtick this season.
His contract is quite reasonable, carrying a lowly $1.5 million annual average value, making him a player that could easily be absorbed into the Canadiens’ lineup without having to worry about the financial implications.
As a winger, he seems like a logical target for the Canadiens, but he probably wouldn’t solve the team’s most pressing issue, which is a lack of depth down the middle of the ice.
St. Louis Blues Ideal Trade Targets
When it comes to the Blues, there are two forwards who immediately spring to mind. The first being Robert Thomas, a 26-year-old centre that fits Montreal’s ideal age group. He’s not enjoying the best season with the Blues, though it must be noted that’s the case for every single player in St. Louis.
It’s very difficult to get a good read on skaters playing for a struggling club, but Thomas leads the Blues in scoring with four goals and 13 assists in 23 games, and wins roughly 52% of his draws.
Thomas is in year three of an eight-year contract which carries an $8.125 million annual average value.
Obviously, the cost of acquisition would be relatively high, even if Thomas is having a hard time finding the back of the net in 2025-26, but from a pure roster-construction standpoint, he would be a great add to the Canadiens’ lineup.
The second player that would make some sense is Jordan Kyrou, a 25-year-old winger who excels in transition due to his fantastic skating.
He has reached the 70-point mark three times in his career, including last season, but he’s only on pace for a 47-point prorated season in 2025-26.
On the flip side of the coin, he usually produces excellent underlying numbers, and continues to do so while playing for the struggling Blues.
Kyrou, who was linked to the Montreal Canadiens earlier in the year, is signed to the very same contract as Thomas, ($8.125 per season), and would also command a very strong return in the NHL’s Trade Market, which is currently void of much talent.
Marc has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for Journal Metro, The Athletic, The … More about Marc Dumont