Canadiens & Islanders Linked to Blockbuster Trade

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to add down the middle this summer, and could be turning to the New York Islanders to facilitate a blockbuster trade. Reports have surfaced stating the two teams have discussed a trade centered around Isles forward Mat Barzal.

Barzal, 29, is signed through the 2031 season at $9.1 million AAV, and owns a 22-team no-trade list. It does appear he'd be willing to be traded to Montreal. Barzal scored 19 goals and added 53 assists, for 72 points last season, leading the Islanders in scoring.

Given the market & teams missing out on top players, I'm told more teams have inquired about #Isles Mathew Barzal, who holds a 22-team NTC.

Among those believed to have checked in: Dallas & Montreal.

Darche's job is to listen, so none of this should come as a surprise.

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) June 26, 2026

Could Mathew Barzal get moved this week? pic.twitter.com/mZJ0VSFzUN

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 26, 2026

The Canadiens would have to send a mega-package to the Islanders if they want to close this trade, including the likes of David Reinbacher, Alex Newhook, Sam Montembeault, and one of Owen Beck, or Alexander Zharovsky. 

Montreal isn't interested in moving prospect Michael Hage, despite every single team asking for the Michigan product in trade talks, dating back to March, when the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted Hage in the Matthew Knies trade proposal.

For now, Barzal remains on Long Island, but trade buzz has picked up in a major way, and don't be surprised to see something big from both the Islanders and Canadiens. 

“This place is f*cking empty. F*cking empty. F*cking joke bro.”

It appears like Mat Barzal wasn’t too pleased with the attendance at UBS arena last night 🫣👀pic.twitter.com/UP0sKHyb10

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 21, 2025