Montreal Canadiens Making Trade Calls On Two Players
Ryan O’Reilly trade rumors have Canadiens checking in
Friedman’s read is that Montreal asked the question on O’Reilly, but even he wasn’t sure how feasible it is.
The fit is obvious because O’Reilly is the kind of playoff-tested center who can settle a young Montreal bench down, win important draws, and handle tough matchups when the games get tighter in the playoffs.
He’s also still producing, with an impressive 20 goals and 56 points in 57 games this season, and his resume is about as loud as it gets for a veteran rental with term who contributes on both ends of the ice, including a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe, and a Selke Trophy.
Pierre LeBrun: Re Ryan O'Reilly: It’s still not clear...if he would want to move; His family loves it in Nashville. There’s even been talk of a potential extension for him this summer - The Athletic (2/26)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 28, 2026
He's already surpassed last season's total of 53 points, which he set in 79 games played.
The Predators are pushing for a playoff spot, and O’Reilly has been a big part of that push, so prying him loose would take a real effort, plus cap gymnastics if Montreal wants to take a swing.
Rasmus Ristolainen interest was real, but only a quick call
On the blue line, Friedman mentioned Ristolainen as another name Montreal has looked into, and D’Amico backed that up with extra context.
The Canadiens made a brief call to gauge the asking price, but there was no serious push, especially with Montreal focused on forward help first, D'Amico reports.
Ristolainen does check the exact box Montreal has been sniffing around, though. He’s a 6-foot-4 right-shot defender on a $5.1 million cap hit through next season, and when he’s healthy, he brings a heavy mix of hits, blocks, and crease-clearing bite.
Chris Johnston: Re Rasmus Ristolainen: If he can bring back an asset that makes sense for them, they'll move him; they don't feel like they have to move him, he's got another year - 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (2/25)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 28, 2026
This season, the 31-year-old has recorded one goal, six points, a -5 plus/minus rating, 28 blocked shots, and 21 hits across 21 games played. He's really struggled with injuries over the past several years, however, so that would certainly give a lot of teams pause when considering a trade for him, especially if the Flyers' asking price is in the higher range.
The way it looks right now, Montreal is open to adding jam on the back end, but only if the price fits where they are in the window, and not if it means paying a premium just because it’s deadline week.
Photo Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
