Montreal Canadiens

Are Canadiens Ready to Make Noise at Deadline with DeBrusk?

Montreal’s playoff spark is real, and GM Kent Hughes might be about to turn up the drama. Could Jake DeBrusk be the missing piece?

by
Old Prof
February 15, 2026

The Montreal Canadiens are looking at having some fun this season, and the playoffs might actually have us on the edge of our seats for a change. With the trade deadline on March 6, it feels like the team’s about to turn up the drama just in time.

Expect Canadiens GM Kent Hughes to Act

General manager Kent Hughes isn’t the type to sit quietly—he’s been on the phones, calling around, looking for a top-six right winger to give the Canadiens that extra oomph when it really counts.

There’s been talk that Patrik Laine might be dangled in these conversations. His $8.7 million cap hit is a big number, but it’s also the kind of number that could help grease a deal. Montreal doesn’t just want a player; they want the right player, someone who can slide in and help immediately without disrupting the whole team’s rhythm.

<a rel= — Jake DeBrusk of the Canucks. Might he be traded?

Could Jake DeBrusk Be Headed to the Habs?

Enter Jake DeBrusk. He’s been quiet in Vancouver this season, but he’s far from done. Big enough to handle the rough stuff, skilled enough to score, and with playoff experience on his resume. He’s exactly what Montreal’s top six could use. Points are nice, sure, but DeBrusk brings the grit that makes defenders wish they’d stayed home.

And his salary cap hit and term make sense. DeBrusk is under contract through 2031 at a reasonable $5.5 million AAV. That’s a nice balance for a Habs team juggling cap space but with big ambitions. He’s got a no-move clause. But the rumour is that he’d say yes to a real shot at the postseason.

And to be honest, there’s something a little nice for a longtime former Bruin to get a second chance with Montreal. DeBrusk might like that.

The Canadiens Might Be All in for a Playoff Run This Season

At the end of the day, Montreal’s not just tinkering around the edges here. If Hughes can land someone like DeBrusk, the Canadiens could be looking at a lineup capable of getting through a round of the playoffs, maybe more. It’s still early, and trades are never guaranteed. But for fans watching this team quietly turn into something fun, the next few weeks are worth paying attention to.