The Montreal Canadiens are walking a tightrope as the NHL trade deadline approaches-one that balances long-term vision with short-term opportunity. And according to insights shared on the FAN Hockey Show, the Habs have a clear objective in mind: they want a top-six winger, preferably one with size, skill, and the ability to make an immediate impact alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. That’s not a small ask, but Montreal has the assets-and the discipline-to make it happen without throwing their rebuild off course.
What the Canadiens Are Hunting For
Let’s start with the need. With Kirby Dach’s health still up in the air, the Canadiens are looking to shore up their top six.
Specifically, they’re targeting a big-bodied winger who can slot in next to Suzuki and Caufield and contribute right away-not someone who’s a project or a few years away. This isn’t about adding for the future.
It’s about complementing what they already have and giving this group a better shot at competing night in and night out.
That kind of player doesn’t come cheap. So who could be on the move to make it happen?
Who Could Be Trade Bait?
Two names that keep surfacing: Brendan Gallagher and Patrik Laine.
Gallagher, a fan favorite and longtime heart-and-soul guy for this team, hasn’t had the kind of season he-or the Habs-would’ve hoped for. He’s struggled to find his rhythm, and with a $6.5 million cap hit, his contract could be part of a larger financial balancing act in any trade.
Laine, on the other hand, is just getting back from a core muscle injury. He brings a different kind of upside-size, scoring touch, and a history of offensive production-but also carries a hefty $8.7 million price tag. If he’s in play, it likely means the Canadiens are willing to get creative with the cap.
In either case, moving one of these veterans might be the cost of doing business if Montreal wants to land that top-six piece. It’s not about dumping players-it’s about reallocating resources to better fit the team’s current direction.
Can the Canadiens Afford to Make a Move?
The short answer: yes. Montreal has quietly built one of the deeper prospect pools in the league.
They’ve got NHL-ready forwards, a pipeline full of promising young talent, and a stash of draft picks. That kind of depth gives them flexibility-not just to make a trade, but to do it without gutting the foundation they’ve been laying over the past few seasons.
Cap space is always a puzzle, but the Canadiens are in a position to move salary out if needed. Whether it’s matching contracts or retaining some money, they’ve got the tools to get creative. The key is making sure the return is worth it.
Timing Is Everything
Kirby Dach’s status looms large here. If he’s healthy and able to return to form, the urgency to add a top-six winger might ease a bit. But if there’s any doubt about his availability, the Canadiens may feel more pressure to act sooner rather than later.
Still, this isn’t a team in panic mode. They’re not making a move just to make one. They’re looking for the right fit-someone who can step in immediately and thrive in a system that values two-way play, structure, and hockey IQ as much as raw skill.
A Calculated Approach, Not a Desperate One
What’s clear is that Montreal isn’t shopping from a place of desperation. They’re being selective-and that’s a good thing. They’ve built up enough depth to be patient, but they’re also aware that the right addition could accelerate their progress without compromising the bigger picture.
This isn’t about swinging for the fences. It’s about making a smart, strategic move that fits both the now and the future. A flashy name might grab headlines, but the Canadiens are more likely to zero in on someone who checks the boxes on and off the ice-someone who can slide into the lineup and elevate the group without disrupting the chemistry they’ve worked hard to build.
Bottom Line
The Canadiens are in a fascinating spot. They’ve got young talent blossoming, a clear sense of identity, and a front office that understands the value of timing.
They know what they need-a top-six winger-and they’ve got the pieces to go get one. But they’re not going to mortgage the future to do it.
As the deadline draws closer, keep an eye on how Montreal plays its cards. Whether they make a move or wait for the right opportunity, this is a team quietly positioning itself to take the next step-and doing it on their terms.