5 Bold Trades the Montreal Canadiens Should Make Before the 2025–26 Season

 5 Bold Trades the Montreal Canadiens Should Make Before the 2025–26 Season

Plus One Deadline Deal That Could Push Them Over the Top

The Montreal Canadiens are no longer rebuilding—they’re reloading. After a playoff return in 2025 and a breakout year from Nick Suzuki, the Habs are poised to take the next step. But with a crowded blue line, a need for center depth, and a surplus of draft capital, GM Kent Hughes has the tools to reshape the roster before puck drop.

Here are five trades that could elevate Montreal into serious contention—and one trade deadline move that could seal the deal.

🔁 1. Trade for Mason McTavish (Anaheim Ducks)

The Deal:
Montreal Canadiens receive: Mason McTavish (C)
Anaheim Ducks receive: Patrik Laine (LW), Mike Matheson (D), 2026 2nd-round pick

Why It Works:
McTavish is a rising star with 52 points last season and top-six upside. Pairing him with Suzuki gives Montreal a dynamic one-two punch down the middle. Anaheim gets veteran scoring in Laine and a stabilizing defender in Matheson, plus a pick to sweeten the pot.

🔁 2. Send Arber Xhekaj to the Calgary Flames

The Deal:
Montreal Canadiens receive: Rasmus Andersson (D)
Calgary Flames receive: Arber Xhekaj (D), 2025 3rd-round pick

Why It Works:
Montreal clears space for David Reinbacher and Adam Engström while upgrading with Andersson, a proven top-four right-shot defenseman. Calgary gets a physical presence and a pick as Andersson enters the final year of his deal.

🔁 3. Acquire Nazem Kadri from the Flames

The Deal:
Montreal Canadiens receive: Nazem Kadri (C)
Calgary Flames receive: Kirby Dach (C), 2026 4th-round pick

Why It Works:
Kadri brings leadership, playoff experience, and consistent production (75 points last season). Dach has upside but has struggled with injuries. Kadri stabilizes the second line while Michael Hage continues to develop.

🔁 4. Reunite with Brett Kulak (Edmonton Oilers)

The Deal:
Montreal Canadiens receive: Brett Kulak (D)
Edmonton Oilers receive: Jakub Dobes (G), 2025 5th-round pick

Why It Works:
Kulak is a versatile third-pairing defender with playoff experience. Edmonton needs goaltending depth, and Dobes offers upside. This move balances Montreal’s defense and gives Reinbacher a reliable partner.

🔁 5. Flip Josh Anderson to the Ottawa Senators

The Deal:
Montreal Canadiens receive: 2025 2nd-round pick
Ottawa Senators receive: Josh Anderson (RW)

Why It Works:
Anderson’s physicality is valuable, but his $5.5M cap hit and declining production make him expendable. Ottawa adds grit for a playoff push, while Montreal frees up space and adds another pick to its war chest.

⏳ Trade Deadline Deal: Jake Evans to Dallas Stars

The Deal:
Montreal Canadiens receive: 2026 2nd-round pick
Dallas Stars receive: Jake Evans (C)

Why It Works:
Evans is a reliable bottom-six center with a career-high scoring pace. If Montreal’s young centers step up, Evans becomes expendable. Dallas gets depth for a Cup run, and Montreal adds future capital.

🧠 Final Thoughts

With 12 picks in the 2025 draft and a deep prospect pool, Montreal has the flexibility to make bold moves. These trades balance short-term competitiveness with long-term growth—and if Kent Hughes pulls the trigger, the Canadiens could be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.

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