Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
The Montreal Canadiens are already positioning themselves to make a major move if the trade market explodes.
The message is clear: the Canadiens want to be well-positioned and part of the conversation if impact players become available.
With the Predators, the first name that comes up is Ryan O’Reilly. A 34-year-old center, Stanley Cup champion, and former Conn Smythe winner, he recorded a 69-point season in his first year in Nashville and followed it with a 53-point campaign last year. His $4.5 million-per-year contract through 2027 makes him a veteran who is still very accessible for a team seeking stability down the middle.”Pierre LeBrun: No question in my mind the Habs have had conversations with Nashville and St. Louis; if for no other reason…to make sure that if things start to escalate with guys available…the Habs have a chance of being involved.”
– Sick Podcast w/ Tony Marinaro
Pierre LeBrun places the Canadiens in the race
Still in Nashville, Steven Stamkos adds a dreamlike layer to the situation. The forward signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Predators in July 2024, carrying an $8 million cap hit. He then recorded 27 goals and 53 points in 82 games in 2024-2025, before recently reaching the impressive milestone of 1,200 career points and 589 NHL goals.
On the Blues’ side, the name of Jordan Kyrou remains at the center of rumors. The 27-year-old forward, six feet tall and around 100 kilos, scored 36, 31, and 37 goals over the last three seasons, clearly placing him in the category of top-tier scorers. His name has already been tied to the Canadiens for quite some time, and his future in St. Louis is a frequent talking point.
What all this shows above all is that Kent Hughes does not want to be a spectator if Nashville or St. Louis decides to move major pieces. The Canadiens have already completed an important trade with the Predators for Justin Barron and Alexandre Carrier, and we know the two organizations know each other very well.
So for now, nothing concrete-but the lines are moving, and the names are big. If an O’Reilly, a Kyrou, a Schenn, or even a Stamkos officially becomes available, the Canadiens will already be in the mix… and at that point, things will start to feel very big in Montreal.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey