The Montreal Canadiens’ hot start to the season has finally hit a wall. Despite beginning their campaign with impressive wins, the franchise has stumbled through recent games and currently battles a four-game losing streak.
However, even after these setbacks, the Canadiens still hold a comfortable position atop the Atlantic Division and remain on track for a playoff berth. According to an insider, Montreal might be zeroing in on a trade target that could help get things back on track.
Insider Believes That the Canadiens Are Closely Monitoring a Calgary Forward
Montreal’s search for a second-line center has been well-documented. However, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported the franchise has expanded its focus beyond just down the middle. He believes that their search isn’t over, but it is not their only priority right now.
“The longstanding search for a No. 2 center for the Canadiens hasn’t gone away, but the reality in talking to other front office sources around the league is that Montreal is also open to a trade for a winger,” LeBrun wrote.
He continued, “Which is to say, the Habs are open-minded in their approach to boosting their forward group.” The insider noted Montreal was making trade calls even before their recent injury crisis worsened the situation.
GM Kent Hughes and President Jeff Gorton have been proactive in exploring options to strengthen the roster. However, LeBrun emphasized the management duo won’t make rash decisions. For now, securing a playoff berth remains their immediate priority.
“Deep down, they know they’re not Stanley Cup contenders yet, so they’re not going to do anything foolish,” LeBrun said. “Any bigger trade they’d consider would have to help the team this year and beyond.” The Canadiens have examined cheaper options as well.
They attempted to sign free-agent center David Kämpf, but the veteran chose Vancouver instead. Montreal now appears to be taking a dual-track approach between short-term fixes and longer-term solutions. The challenge lies in finding willing sellers.
“The problem, of course, is that there are few sellers with the standings so jammed up. Calgary and St. Louis are listening, for sure,” LeBrun noted. Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman emerged as a name Montreal could be monitoring.
The 33-year-old carries a two-year contract with a $4.9 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season. His seven-year, $29.4 million deal, signed in 2021, expires after next season. But LeBrun believes that acquiring Coleman won’t be easy.
“The Flames are in no hurry to move Blake Coleman, either, if they move him at all. But I could see the Canadiens also keeping an eye on that name,” LeBrun reported. Coleman brings a championship pedigree after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021.
His two-way ability, penalty-killing expertise, and playoff experience would address multiple needs for Montreal. Whether Calgary becomes willing to part with Coleman remains uncertain. For now, the Canadiens continue monitoring the situation while exploring all available options to strengthen their forward group.
