Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens Want to Shake Things Up, but What Trade’s Smart?

Stu Cowan breaks down the Canadiens’ trade deadline needs: a top-six winger, veteran moves, and smart trades without risking their rebuild.

by
Old Prof
January 22, 2026

Stu Cowan’s interview on the FAN Hockey Show gave us a lot to chew on about the Montréal Canadiens. There’s a lot going on with this team—prospects, veterans, injuries—and the question of what they need and what they’re willing to do ahead of the trade deadline came up more than once.

What Montréal Wants at the Trade Deadline

The Canadiens want a top-six forward. The main target is a big winger who can play with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. The team wants someone who can produce right away and help offset Kirby Dach’s uncertain health.

The question becomes, who could move? Answers include Brendan Gallagher or Patrik Laine. Adding a top-six forward may mean moving a veteran or two. Gallagher has struggled this season; Laine is returning from a core muscle injury. Both have contracts that would need to be absorbed by the other team.

Are Prospects or Assets on the Table?

The Canadiens have depth. These include an impressive number of NHL-ready forwards, as well as a strong pipeline of prospects and draft picks. They can trade a mix of young talent and cap space to make a deal happen without hurting the rebuild.

As for financial or contractual considerations, any trade likely needs a financial match. The Canadiens could send salary back to balance the deal. Laine’s $8.7 million or Gallagher’s $6.5 million might play into the mix. That said, if they’re moving in, someone has to take that cap hit.

The trade deadline is all about timing. Kirby Dach needs to stay healthy to give them options internally. If he’s ready, the Canadiens might be able to wait; if not, the urgency for that top-six winger increases.

Kirby Dach injury Canadiens — Kirby Dach’s injury has prevented him from playing for the Canadiens.

What Other Factors Might Be Involved for the Canadiens?

As Cowan notes, Montreal isn’t desperate. Depth allows them to be picky. They want a forward who fits immediately, not just a prospect for the future. That said, the system and culture matter. The new additions have to mesh with a team that values defensive responsibility and high hockey IQ, not just flashy scoring.

Montreal isn’t desperate—they know what they want and have the pieces to make it work. And new guys can slide in without messing things up. Don’t expect a wild trade, more like a solid, smart one.

The Bottom Line for the Canadiens

The Canadiens are intriguing. They’re competitive, deep, and thinking ahead. The interview showed that they know exactly what they need—a top-six winger. They’re also willing to make it happen, but not at the cost of derailing all the work they’ve put into this rebuild. Fans should be watching both the Canadiens’ young stars and their trade deadline moves closely.