Canadiens Rumors: Montreal Linked To Four Forwards

The Montreal Canadiens are entering a crucial offseason with two clear goals: find a legitimate second-line center and reinforce a penalty kill unit that’s set to lose key contributors. 

With David Savard retiring and Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia set to hit free agency, GM Kent Hughes has decisions to make — and options to weigh.

Veteran Centers on the Radar: Tavares, Duchene, Nelson

One approach the Canadiens may take is adding a short-term veteran to bridge the gap until a younger center emerges. Names like John Tavares, Matt Duchene, and Brock Nelson have surfaced as potential fits. Tavares, in particular, has drawn attention as a possible divisional defector from Toronto. 

Though he's past his prime, his 38-goal, 74-point campaign shows he still has gas left in the tank — and Montreal could make the money work by using Carey Price’s LTIR space. Meanwhile, Duchene isn’t reportedly a priority despite his strong season in Dallas. Some in the organization remain wary of his 2019 free agency leverage play, but the door isn't completely shut.

JOHN TAVARES 🚨

WRAPAROUND GOAL FROM JOHNNY TORONTO! pic.twitter.com/nBut7KAVp2

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) May 9, 2025

Mason McTavish Offer Sheet Buzz Grows Louder

While older free agents are a fallback, Montreal might swing for a younger prize — like Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish. 

Former agent David Ettedgui floated a bold offer sheet idea: seven years at $9.2 million annually. It would cost Montreal four premium draft picks, but McTavish, just 22, had 52 points in 76 games and could be a long-term second-line anchor behind Nick Suzuki. “In three years, he’s going to be a bargain,” Ettedgui said, capturing the growing belief that this could be a rare win-now move worth the risk.

Gabe Landeskog was mic'd up when he reunited with his former Avs teammates Matt Duchene and Mikko Rantanen in the Game 7 handshake line 🥹🔊

(via @NHL) pic.twitter.com/JWXsuKyPFM

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 5, 2025

Penalty Kill Holes and Goalie Future Also on the Radar

On the defensive side, the loss of Savard and possibly Dvorak could hit the penalty kill hard. Armia is more likely to return if he accepts a pay cut, but Hughes will likely seek additional depth forwards to shore up that unit. In net, Jacob Fowler’s rise may signal the end of Cayden Primeau’s time in Montreal. Fowler impressed in Laval’s playoff debut, and Primeau, due a $1M qualifying offer, hasn’t proven himself at the NHL level.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images