Canadiens Rumors: Montreal WILL Target This One Upgrade This Offseason

The Montreal Canadiens might have surprised fans with a playoff berth this season, but their first-round exit at the hands of the Washington Capitals exposed a glaring weakness: they’re still one top-six center short of serious contention. 

That won’t catch management off guard. According to Pierre LeBrun on TSN Radio, general manager Kent Hughes and executive Jeff Gorton remain committed to their long-term plan of building through the draft and development—but that won’t stop them from aggressively pursuing a center in his mid-20s to support Nick Suzuki.

Canadiens Focus on Adding Top-Six Center After Playoff Shortfall

“It’s their number one need,” LeBrun said, noting that Montreal was “mostly a one-line team” against Washington. While Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky led a formidable top trio, the drop-off in center depth behind Suzuki was evident. Ivan Demidov, the team’s prized young winger, needs a stable second-line pivot—especially with questions around whether Patrik Laine will return next season. Names like Sidney Crosby, Mathew Barzal, and Bo Horvat have already surfaced as potential fits. Crosby would be the dream, Barzal the logical playmaker, and Horvat the defensive anchor with offensive upside.

With Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia set to hit free agency and David Savard retiring, the already-young Canadiens could be even younger in 2025-26. But Hughes has options. Montreal holds two first-round picks, a stocked prospect pool, and ample cap space heading into the draft and free agency. The next few months will be crucial for shifting from plucky underdogs to true contenders, and it starts by solving the center puzzle beside Suzuki.

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images