The Montreal Canadiens are in the thick of a season that’s turning heads across the league. At 27-15-7, they’re sitting third in the Atlantic Division, but the gap between them and the top is razor-thin-just one point behind both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings, and three back of the Carolina Hurricanes for the Eastern Conference lead.
In other words, this team is right in the mix. And with the trade deadline approaching, Montreal looks like a team ready to buy.
One name that makes a lot of sense for their needs? Blake Coleman.
There’s been buzz around the Canadiens eyeing Coleman, and it’s easy to see why. The 34-year-old forward has been a reliable, two-way presence throughout his NHL career.
Originally drafted 75th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2011, Coleman took the college route at Miami (Ohio) before working his way up through the AHL. He broke into the NHL with the Devils in 2016-17 and eventually landed in Tampa Bay, where he became a key piece of their back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in 2020 and 2021.
Since signing with Calgary in 2021, Coleman has brought consistency and grit to the Flames lineup. He’s hit the 33-point mark or better in each of his four full seasons with the team, including a 30-goal, 54-point campaign in 2023-24. This season, he’s tracking for 36 points, and even if the production isn’t eye-popping, the value he brings goes beyond the box score.
Right now, the Flames are struggling. At 21-23-4, they’re seventh in the Pacific Division and five points out of a playoff spot-with four teams to leapfrog just to get there.
That puts Calgary in a likely seller’s position come deadline time, and if they open up shop, Coleman’s name will be one of the more attractive on the market. For Montreal, this is a golden opportunity.
The Canadiens have a clear need in their middle six. Injuries have only made that hole more glaring.
Patrik Laine has barely been on the ice this season, suiting up for just five games, though there’s hope he’ll return by the Olympic break. Alex Newhook is out with a fractured ankle, and Kirby Dach remains sidelined as well.
That’s left Montreal leaning heavily on its top line for offense.
And that top line has delivered. Nick Suzuki is pacing the team with 54 points, Cole Caufield leads in goals with 24, and Alexandre Texier-acquired earlier in the season from St.
Louis-has chipped in 16 points in 27 games since joining the Canadiens. The second line has been solid too, with Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky both sitting north of 40 points.
But Oliver Kapanen, who rounds out that line, has just 27.
The drop-off becomes more pronounced on the third line, where Brendan Gallagher leads the way with only 18 points. That’s where someone like Coleman could make a real impact.
He could slot into the third line and immediately boost its offensive punch, or he could be shuffled into the second line, allowing the Canadiens to redistribute some of their young talent across the top nine. His versatility gives head coach Martin St.
Louis options, and his $4.9 million cap hit is manageable for a team that’s just over $1 million shy of the ceiling.
But what really sets Coleman apart is his playoff pedigree. The Canadiens got a taste of postseason hockey last year, but their run ended quickly with a five-game loss to the Capitals in the opening round.
Coleman, on the other hand, has 65 playoff games under his belt and was a key cog in two Cup-winning teams. That kind of experience is invaluable for a young, hungry roster looking to take the next step.
Of course, Coleman won’t come cheap. Earlier this season, the Canadiens acquired Phillip Danault for a second-round pick, but Coleman’s value is higher. He’s not just a rental-he’s under contract for another year-and his playoff résumé, leadership, and cap-friendly deal all raise the price tag.
There’s a precedent here that’s worth revisiting. Back in 2021-22, the Canadiens were on the other side of a similar deal.
They were bottoming out, and the Flames were pushing for the playoffs. Calgary needed depth scoring, and Montreal sent them Tyler Toffoli-then second on the team in points-in exchange for a first-round pick (top-10 protected), a fifth-rounder, Tyler Pitlick, and prospect Emil Heineman.
That deal could serve as a blueprint now, just in reverse.
The Canadiens have the assets to get it done. Over the next three drafts, they’re only missing a 2026 fifth-round pick, and they’ve got extras to work with, including a fourth-rounder from New Jersey and a seventh from Carolina. A first-round pick in 2026, paired with a later-round pick and a prospect, could be enough to seal the deal.
If Calgary is looking for NHL-ready youth, Oliver Kapanen could be a centerpiece. He’s played all 49 games this season, tallying 16 goals and 11 assists, and at just 22 years old, he’s showing signs of becoming a reliable middle-six forward.
If Montreal isn’t willing to part with Kapanen, they’ve got other intriguing options. Owen Beck has split time between the NHL and AHL this year, and while his NHL numbers are modest, he’s been strong in Laval and continues to develop.
Joshua Roy, another 22-year-old forward, has 38 games of NHL experience and flashes of offensive upside, though he’s still finding his footing at the highest level.
The Canadiens don’t need to overpay, but this is a moment to be aggressive. They’re in the hunt, they’ve got the cap space, and they’ve got the picks and prospects to make a real push.
Blake Coleman checks just about every box for what this team needs-production, experience, versatility, and leadership. If the Flames are ready to sell, Montreal should be first in line.