The Canadiens’ long-running search for a second-line center may have reached a temporary end.
According to PM Perron, Montreal is not expected to trade for a 2C this season. Instead, the organization is putting its trust in Michael Hage, with the expectation that he arrives at the end of the season.
That means the club is passing on the kind of expensive trade route that would have required a major package for a player in the Dylan Larkin, Adam Fantilli or Matty Beniers mold. For now, the message is simple: stay patient and work with what’s already in the room.
Perron made it clear he believes the debate among Canadiens fans is basically settled, at least for the moment. As he put it: “I still see Habs fans hoping for a trade to bring in a 2C. It's not happening.
The organization has clearly chosen to bet on Michael Hage, who should arrive at the end of the season. Until then, you roll with what you have.
Case closed for now. Patience.”
There’s a logic to that approach. Montreal avoids paying a steep price in a trade and gives its young prospect time to develop without forcing the issue.
But the gamble is obvious, too. If Hage isn’t ready, or if his transition to the NHL takes longer than expected, the Canadiens could lose a season of progress while waiting for the answer to arrive.
For now, though, the plan appears set. Montreal is moving ahead with its current roster and betting that patience pays off.
The only real question is how long that patience lasts if the offense stumbles early. One rough October, and the pressure to go shopping for help could come roaring right back.
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The appeal from the Canadiens side is straightforward enough: they have been looking for a right-handed defenseman who can handle meaningful minutes, and the proposal being kicked around would address that need while forcing Montreal to decide how much value it is willing to attach to Xhekaj. Depending on how the deal is structured, the price could climb beyond a simple one-for-one swap, which is exactly why this has become one of those talks worth watching rather than dismissing. [Read more 🡒]
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Fantilli, 21, turned in a strong season with 59 points in 82 games, enough to make him the kind of center any team would at least have to think about. Montreal has not been confirmed as a club preparing an offer sheet, but the possibility alone is enough to keep the idea alive, especially if Columbus finds itself in a spot where matching becomes difficult. [Read more 🡒]
NHL Expansion Buzz Just Put The Nordiques Dream In Jeopardy
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For Montreal followers, the significance goes beyond another market on the league map. If Houston is indeed the destination, it would make the long-discussed idea of the Nordiques coming back look even more remote, even if the NHL has not made anything official yet. For now, it is still just buzz, but it is the kind of buzz that can change how people talk about hockey in Quebec. [Read more 🡒]