Canadiens Could Have A Backup Plan If Marchenko Talks Collapse
Kent Johnson.
Per Marco Normandin, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes could finalize a major trade in the coming days, but it may not necessarily involve Marchenko at all.
"From what I'm hearing, Kent Hughes could very well finalize a major trade in the coming days," Normandin reported. "But it wouldn't necessarily involve Kirill Marchenko. Instead, the Canadiens might finally acquire their second center."
When journalist Maxime Truman directly asked Normandin whether he was referring to Johnson, Normandin did not deny it.
Why Johnson Makes Sense
Johnson offers a much cheaper alternative to Marchenko.
The 23-year-old is entering the final year of a three-year, $5.4 million contract, a fraction of the price it would take to pry away Marchenko, who is controlled through 2027 and viewed as a franchise cornerstone in Columbus.
There are rumours that Kent Johnson is on the trade block. pic.twitter.com/omR7gWYQ7N
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) June 29, 2026
Johnson would give Montreal the second-line center it has chased for several seasons, projecting to fit beside Ivan Demidov and either Zachary Bolduc or Alex Newhook.
Truman reported that Hughes has had recent discussions with at least two teams, the Blue Jackets and the Maple Leafs, as he continues searching for that missing piece down the middle.
The Skepticism
Not everyone believes Johnson is the answer.
NHL insider Marco D'Amico is skeptical Montreal will actually land him, pointing to the inconsistency in Johnson's game as reason for caution.
Johnson posted 57 points during the 2024-25 season but stumbled significantly last year, finishing with just 22.
Marco D'Amico about the rumors/talks of the #Habs interest in #CBJ Kent Johnson :
— R i N K Y (@RinkyReport) July 28, 2026
''I would be surprised if the Canadiens would try another reclamation project like that.''#NHL #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/0BYXIcZMzJ
D'Amico compared a potential move to past Hughes acquisitions like Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach, both players who flashed offensive skill in Montreal without replicating it consistently.
"If you're Columbus, you're selling excessively low if you're trading a guy like Johnson," D'Amico said. "And they've said that they want him to be part of the future because Kent Johnson is one of the few that actually wants to stay in Columbus. Why would you trade that?"
Where The Marchenko Talks Stand
The Marchenko situation remains very unclear.
Some insiders believe a trade is imminent, while reporters closer to Columbus continue to pour cold water on the idea, with Marchenko's own camp indicating the sides have not spoken about a move in weeks.
Aaron Portzline has similarly downplayed the likelihood of an imminent Marchenko trade, though he has not ruled out the situation evolving.
