Montreal Canadiens gearing up to make blockbuster offseason deal to address major roster need
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Tyler Ball
May 31, 2026 (6:13 PM)
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Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
After a heartbreaking loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Montreal Canadiens are now reportedly gearing up for a big offseason trade.
The Montreal Canadiens made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals but throughout looked to be a team missing a couple of pieces.
One of the biggest flaws pointed out by fans and analysts was the lack of a true second line center behind Nick Suzuki.
While Jake Evans played well in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he is better off as a great third line center instead of having to play top-six minutes.
With the season over, the Canadiens are now reportedly searching for their second line center to pair with Suzuki as GM Kent Hughes is gearing up for a major trade.
Montreal Canadiens gearing up for major trade to fix biggest hole on their roster
According to a report from Canadiens insider Renaud Lavoie, the Canadiens were pushing hard to acquire a second line center at the trade deadline but a deal fell through last minute.
You need that 2nd line centerman; I really believe that Kent Hughes was really close to getting that centerman at the trade deadline; there's still some work to be done here - Renaud Lavoie
Now, with the Canadiens officially reaching contender status in the Eastern Conference with their deep Stanley Cup Playoff run the push for a complimentary player to Suzuki will become of even higher importance.
As the offseason officially gets under way, all eyes will be on Kent Hughes to see if he can swing a big deal to round out the Canadiens lineup.
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