The Montreal Canadiens are close to making another playoff appearance, but the front office still has work to do before the deadline. The team has improved this season and now sits in a strong position in the Atlantic, which is a competitive division.
Even so, management knows the current group may need help down the middle for a serious playoff run. That focus has placed two experienced centers on the Canadiens’ radar as March 6 approaches.
Montreal Canadiens Linked to Nazem Kadri and Vincent Trocheck
The Canadiens hold a 33-18-9 record with 75 points and rank fourth in the Atlantic, below Tampa Bay, Buffalo, and Detroit. Their recent 7–5 loss to the San Jose Sharks showed both promise and concern, as Montreal erased a three-goal deficit before allowing two late goals.
Offensively, the team ranks third in the NHL with 3.52 goals per game, and its power play converts at 24.7 percent. However, the defense remains an area to address, with Montreal ranked 24th in goals against per game and 27th on the penalty kill.
Because of that balance between strong scoring and defensive gaps, adding a proven top-six forward with special teams benefits has become a real option. In his recent column, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun wrote, “My sense is the Habs will continue to keep tabs on the Nazem Kadri situation, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Montreal has at least checked in on the Vincent Trocheck situation as well.”
LeBrun further noted, “Again, I don’t think the Habs will force anything before the deadline they are trying to be very patient but if trading for a top-six forward makes sense at a price point they’re comfortable with, they will look at it.”
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Kadri is under a seven-year, $49 million contract with a $7 million cap hit that runs through the 2028–29 season. Reports indicate he has informed the Calgary Flames that he would like to join a Stanley Cup contender.
In his recent Monday column, Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos shared his thoughts. “Kadri has informed Calgary that he’d like to move, and the Flames know his wish is to try to win a Stanley Cup this year,” Kypreos wrote.
Kadri also carries a 13-team no-trade list, which gives him control over potential destinations.
Trocheck is another possible fit as the Rangers enter a retool phase. He is signed through 2028–29 with a $5.625 million cap hit and owns a 12-team no-trade list.
Minnesota has reportedly made a formal offer built around prospect Charlie Stramel and a 2027 first-round pick, while other Eastern teams have also shown interest. Trocheck has stated a preference to remain on the East Coast and wants to join a team in contention.
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For Montreal, the decision will come down to price and long-term planning. The Canadiens have shown growth this season, but management must decide whether to invest assets now or continue building with the current core.
The hours leading up to the deadline will determine how aggressive the team chooses to be.
