Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens Have 2 Important Trade Needs to Address

The Canadiens are standing out as clear buyers ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline and be looking to address these two needs.

by
Michael DeRosa
February 25, 2026

The Montreal Canadiens are undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. The Habs currently hold the second-place spot in the Atlantic Division standings with a 32-17-8 record and 72 points. With this, they should be looking to add to their roster ahead of the deadline.

The Canadiens have some areas of their roster they should aim to improve. Due to this, let’s look at two specific trade needs that the Canadiens have with the trade deadline right around the corner.

Canadiens’ No. 1 Trade Need: A Proven Top-Six Center

Oliver Kapanen has been a good story for the Canadiens this season. The 22-year-old forward has done well as the Canadiens’ second-line center, as evidenced by his 18 goals and 31 points in 57 games this season. However, with the Canadiens looking to be real contenders, they should still be looking to add a proven top-six center to their roster for their 2C spot.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri is one player who has been connected to the Canadiens a lot this season. Other center trade targets who could also make sense for the Habs to target include Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues) and Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers).

Canadiens’ No. 2 Trade Need: Goalie Help

The Canadiens have their goalie of the future in prospect Jacob Fowler, but they would still be wise to improve between the pipes ahead of the deadline. Samuel Montembeault has struggled mightily this season, as he has a .875 save percentage and a 3.34 goals-against average in 23 games. Thus, if the Canadiens can find an upgrade over him, they should strongly consider making a move.

The goalie market is a bit tougher to pinpoint this season, though. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington is one big-name netminder who has created chatter as a trade candidate this season, but he has also struggled. Minnesota Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt is another fascinating name, but the 23-year-old has a ton of trade value and would cost Montreal a lot to land him.

Next: Insider Links Canadiens, Maple Leafs to Blues Star Center