The Montreal Canadiens are heading into the Olympic break sitting sixth in the NHL standings - a position that not only puts them firmly in the playoff picture but also sets the stage for an aggressive approach at the trade deadline. And based on how things are shaping up, GM Kent Hughes may have a new target in mind.
For much of the season, the Canadiens’ biggest roster question centered around the second-line center spot. But thanks to the emergence of Oliver Kapanen, that concern has cooled significantly. Kapanen’s recent play has given the Canadiens a reliable option down the middle, which has allowed the front office to shift its focus elsewhere - specifically, to the top line.
According to insider David Pagnotta, the Canadiens are now zeroing in on adding a top-line winger to play alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. That duo has been the heartbeat of Montreal’s offense, but the right-wing spot next to them has been something of a revolving door. Kirby Dach has seen time there, as has Alexandre Texier, but the Canadiens are clearly looking for a long-term solution - a player who can solidify that line and elevate it to elite status.
One name that continues to surface? Jordan Kyrou.
The 27-year-old winger from the St. Louis Blues has been on Montreal’s radar for a while now.
In fact, this would mark at least the fourth time the Canadiens have reportedly circled back on Kyrou in trade discussions. It’s no secret that Hughes and Blues GM Doug Armstrong have had conversations in the past, and with St.
Louis sliding out of playoff contention, the door may finally be open for a deal.
Kyrou is in the third year of his eight-year, $65 million extension with the Blues - a deal that comes with a full no-movement clause through the 2029-30 season. He’s posted 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) through 47 games this year, and while that production might not be eye-popping, the skill set is undeniable. Kyrou brings elite speed, offensive creativity, and the kind of top-line scoring touch that could make him a seamless fit next to Suzuki and Caufield.
Montreal’s interest in Kyrou isn’t new, and neither is the idea that the Blues might be ready to shake things up. With their playoff hopes fading fast, St.
Louis could be looking to retool, and Kyrou - despite his contract - might be one of the more valuable trade chips on the board. Pagnotta even listed him 30th on his latest trade watch list, with Montreal among five teams reportedly in the mix.
Now, acquiring Kyrou won’t come cheap. He’s still in his prime, under contract long term, and has the kind of offensive upside that a lot of teams would love to add before the postseason push.
But the Canadiens have been persistent, and that matters. They’ve done their homework, stayed in the conversation, and if the timing is finally right, they could be in a strong position to make a serious offer.
With the trade deadline approaching and the Canadiens playing meaningful hockey again, the front office has a real opportunity to make a statement. Adding a player like Kyrou wouldn’t just be about this season - it would be a long-term investment in building a true contender around their young core.
And if the Canadiens can pull it off, that top line might go from good to downright dangerous in a hurry.