The Montreal Canadiens shocked the hockey world with their run to the Eastern Conference Final. Now, with the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency set to begin, GM Kent Hughes appears ready to capitalize on that momentum.
According to reports, Montreal could be targeting a $38.5M winger from the Vancouver Canucks as it looks to take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention.
Canadiens Eye Top-Six Upgrade From Vancouver
Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk has emerged as a player to watch in this trade market.
The veteran forward has made it clear that he has little interest in spending the prime years of his career on a rebuilding team. Earlier this year, DeBrusk addressed the possibility of a roster reset in Vancouver, saying, “Obviously, that [rebuild] is not something I would be okay with or accepting. My game doesn’t fit that.”
That stance has naturally fueled speculation about his future as the Canucks navigate a difficult offseason.
From Montreal’s perspective, DeBrusk’s contract only adds to the appeal. The 29-year-old is entering the third season of a seven-year, $38.5 million deal that carries a manageable $5.5 million cap hit through 2031. In a rising salary cap environment, securing a proven 20-goal scorer at that price could prove to be excellent value.
According to a source who spoke with insider Jimmy Murphy, Montreal’s interest in DeBrusk is nothing new. “The Canadiens have looked into DeBrusk this offseason and that’s not the first time they have. They looked into signing him when he was an unrestricted free agent and then again at the last trade deadline.”
The same source added: “DeBrusk just makes more sense cap-wise and evens off a [Brendan] Gallagher trade better. The fact they have liked him since the 2024 offseason means this is worth watching to see what happens.”
By routing Brendan Gallagher back out West to his home province of British Columbia, Montreal actually saves $1 million in pure salary cap space for the upcoming season. For Vancouver, taking on the final year of Gallagher’s contract is a highly palatable move. It provides a respected, hometown veteran presence for their locker room culture reset, while ensuring they aren’t tied to long-term salary obligations as they tear down the roster.
Of course, acquiring DeBrusk won’t come cheaply.
He led the Canucks with 23 goals last season and remains one of the club’s most valuable trade assets. Add in his full no-movement clause, and Vancouver would have little reason to move him unless the return significantly helps accelerate their long-term plans.
Still, it’s easy to understand why Montreal remains interested.
DeBrusk’s speed, forechecking ability, and net-front presence would fit seamlessly alongside playmakers such as Nick Suzuki or Ivan Demidov. Adding another proven top-six winger would also help strengthen a forward group that suddenly looks capable of competing with the Eastern Conference’s elite teams.
With the draft and free agency just around the corner, the Canadiens have the assets, cap space, and motivation to pursue a major addition. And if their long-standing interest in DeBrusk is any indication, this could be a trade rumor worth watching very closely over the coming days.
