Canadiens Eye Another Major Move After Dobson Deal

The Montreal Canadiens might not be done making noise on the trade front. According to insider David Pagnotta on Daily Faceoff LIVE, general manager Kent Hughes is keeping a close watch on the league’s trade market — and the Canadiens could once again be preparing to strike.

“They’re gonna be looking, they’re gonna be lurking,” Pagnotta said. “Kent Hughes wants to know what’s out there. He’s collecting all of his information. If they make another big splash — something like the Noah Dobson deal from the summer — it would not shock me.”

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Montreal remains in a flexible position. The Canadiens have plenty of cap space, several draft picks — six in the first four rounds this summer — , and a deep pool of young assets. They have the ability to get involved in high-level trade talks with ease.

Pagnotta also noted that other teams, such as Carolina, Utah, and Ottawa, are exploring similar “big game” discussions, but Montreal’s appetite for impactful deals shouldn’t be underestimated.

What Are the Canadiens Looking For in Trade?

The Canadiens are reportedly looking for help in the top-six forward group, ideally adding either a second-line center or a scoring winger to complement Nick Suzuki on the top unit. There is a lot of that available, but Nazem Kadri has been linked to the Canadiens in trade talks all season.

Hughes has already proven willing to swing big — landing Dobson earlier in the offseason — and the sense around the league is that he’s not finished reshaping this roster.

If the right opportunity presents itself, the Canadiens could once again become one of the NHL’s most aggressive buyers before the deadline.

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