Insider Says Canadiens Are Far From Done, Still Targeting 2 Forwards

Canadiens' braintrust Kent Hughes and Martin St. Louis aren't done making moves this summer

The Montreal Canadiens have already made a couple of big splashes this offseason, but according to insider Marco D'Amico, they've got more moves still up their sleeve.

In rg.org, D'Amico quotes a Montreal source close to the situation:

The Canadiens are far from done. I’ve heard of them still actively looking for a fit on their top-6.

Their big move thus far this summer was acquiring pending RFA defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders and signing him to a massive eight-year, $76 million contract ($9.5M AAV).

But they also went out and picked up forward Zack Bolduc, who could be primed for a breakout after a terrific rookie season for the St. Louis Blues, scoring 19 goals in fourth-line minutes. He played center in junior hockey, but was a winger for the Blues this past season.

He does not answer their stated need of a top-six forward or more specifically, a second-line center to play alongside Ivan Demidov. But maybe 33-year-old free agent Evgeny Kuznetsov does?

Could free agent Evgeny Kuznetsov sign with the Canadiens?

While Kuznetsov's camp is said to be "mulling over" offers from as many as 10 NHL teams as he plans a return to North America this summer, he might very well be tempted to join the Habs because of an exciting Russian connection. With Montreal, he'd be reunited with his former SKA St. Petersburg teammate and linemate from last season in the KHL, Ivan Demidov.

Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, readily admits that his client could be had at an affordable price.

"He’s not going to cost what he did before—he’s not an $8 million player anymore. His new deal will be significantly more affordable, and for many cap-strapped teams, that could be a steal: a quality center at a reasonable price. It’s actually a great moment for a comeback.”

As his agent says, Kuz is not really a top-six center anymore; he managed just eight goals and 24 points in 63 games in his last season in the NHL, in 2023-24. He did have 12 goals and 37 points in 39 games with SKA this past year.

Habs still 'in' on Jordan Kyrou

Blues' star forward Jordan Kyrou's name continues to be linked to Montreal, and fellow insider Frank Seravalli said on the Kevin Karius Show that "St. Louis is pretty motivated to move that contract."

D'Amico says the Canadiens have identified the 27-year-old 36-goal scorer as an "age-appropriate piece" for their rebuilt club.

"That being said," writes D'Amico, "nothing appears to be imminent on the Kyrou front. Despite his no-trade clause kicking in (on July 1), he continues to be a hot topic for multiple NHL teams".