The Montreal Canadiens have plenty of reasons to feel upbeat after last season’s deep playoff run, but that progress has also raised the bar for what comes next. Expectations around the organization have shifted, and simply bringing back the same roster may not be enough in a rapidly improving Eastern Conference.
With several rivals strengthening their lineups, every missed opportunity has become more noticeable as training camp gets closer. This sense of urgency has now raised concern from a former Canadiens veteran who believes Montreal cannot afford to let its trade market remain quiet.
Georges Laraque Concerned About Canadiens’ Trade Market
Former Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque isn’t convinced Montreal has done enough to prepare for another deep playoff run, especially after the team failed to land a much-needed second-line center.
Speaking on the Bleed Oil Blue podcast, Laraque said the Canadiens entered the summer believing they were in a strong position to secure one of their top targets, only to watch that opportunity disappear. In his view, that setback has left the roster with the same questions it faced when the offseason began.
Laraque said, “Montreal, this summer, they tried and they thought they were ahead of a couple of teams, and they lost a big opportunity to have a second-line center.”
He specifically pointed to the Washington Capitals taking steps forward while adding that the Florida Panthers should be even tougher with Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov expected to be available for a full season.
“If they start the season with the same center line that they have right now, it’s going to be tough because the Caps got better,” Laraque continued.
“Florida is definitely making the playoffs this year with Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov rested. That’s going to help all year because people forget that last year, Matthew didn’t play until January. The East is very good and very competitive.”
Laraque’s concerns mirror the front office’s biggest priorities.
General manager Kent Hughes has continued searching for a legitimate 2C while also exploring ways to add size and offensive production on the wings.
Montreal has repeatedly surfaced in trade speculation surrounding Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko, and the organization has also explored bigger financial options to strengthen its core.
Meanwhile, restricted free agent defenseman Arber Xhekaj remains a player drawing significant interest from rival teams, making him one of Montreal’s most valuable trade assets if the Canadiens decide to pursue a blockbuster move.
Despite all the speculation, Montreal has not made any big swings this offseason. They have completed some transactions for developing players, like sending prospect Sean Farrell to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for winger Sasha Pastujov. But apart from that, they haven’t made any splashy moves.
The lack of a major addition has fueled questions about whether the Canadiens can realistically build on last season’s success without addressing their most pressing needs.
Laraque believes the answer is clear. “Hopefully, Montreal can add some big wingers and a second-line center to have depth and scoring on this team because right now, they’re still a couple of players short of making the same run they did last year.”
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After reaching the Eastern Conference Final, Montreal is no longer chasing respect around the league. The challenge now is proving it can keep pace with the conference’s elite by turning months of trade speculation into meaningful roster upgrades before opening night.
