The Montreal Canadiens are in the midst of another disappointing NHL campaign as the rebuild continues. The Habs are 29-33-12, dead last in the Atlantic Division, and on the verge of being mathematically eliminated from postseason contention with eight games left.
Although it's been another challenging year, things haven't been easy in Quebec. Montreal has had to deal with a plethora of injuries — including a crushing season-ending ailment to Kirby Dach last October — and there's belief that this club will be good again soon.
GM Kent Hughes is reportedly already targeting a couple of key players as potential trade targets in the offseason, according to Montreal Hockey Now's Marco D'Amico.
“The Montreal Canadiens will be looking to add a scoring forward to their ranks this summer, and there are a few options that could fit the bill,” wrote D'Amico on Wednesday. “With the season coming to a close and the NHL Draft Lottery odds becoming clearer, the Canadiens are going to look to build on this season and push for the NHL playoffs next spring.”
D'Amico points to three young forwards who could drastically improve the roster ahead of next season: Anaheim Ducks' Trevor Zegras, Carolina Hurricanes' Martin Necas and Columbus Blue Jackets' Kent Johnson.
Canadiens targeting Trevor Zegras this offseason?
Zegras has had a very tough season under head coach Greg Cronin in Anaheim in 2023-24. He's struggled mightily offensively, and has been in and out of the lineup due to various ailments.
The 23-year-old badly needs a change of scenery, and with two 65-point seasons under his belt, Quebec could be the perfect place for the youngster to get a fresh start. That's especially true with a few familiar faces on the roster.
“With Slafkovsky and Suzuki finding significant chemistry this past season, having Cole Caufield run shotgun on a second line alongside his good friend Zegras and a returning Kirby Dach could finally give the Canadiens the basis for two strong scoring lines for years to come,” asserted D'Amico.
“There’s reason to believe that Zegras would easily be able to bounce back in a high-tempo, offensive environment like that which Montreal is trying to build up. One has to think that, with the season he’s having, the price point won’t be as astronomical as originally thought. The Canadiens have been confirmed to be keeping tabs on the player.”
Martin Necas, Kent Johnson also linked to Canadiens
Necas is in the midst of another standout season in Raleigh, and he may have played himself out of a contract in Carolina. The Hurricanes have three pending RFAs and eight UFAs, and only $30 million to sign them all, per D'Amico.
“To maintain the Hurricanes’ competitive window, Necas, who is a restricted free agent himself and looking for a handsome raise, may need to be dangled,” wrote D'Amico.
“The 25-year-old, who broke out last season with a 71-point campaign, is on pace for another productive season this year with 23 goals and 52 points in 70 games. A speedy winger, who stands at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Necas would be able to inject the rare combination of adequate size, skill and speed that the Canadiens have coveted since GM Kent Hughes and EVP Jeff Gorton took over the reins.”
Finally, D'Amico points to Johnson, the least proven but potentially the most skilled offensively, as the third option. The Habs could give up a pick or prospect — a place Columbus is lacking — to bring the talented forward to Montreal.
“After just coming off of successful shoulder surgery and already having a 40-point campaign under his belt, Johnson could be a sneaky good add for a Montreal Canadiens roster that has had success in their recent reclamation projects. Johnson may be the least proven of the bunch, but he could be the biggest value acquisition between the three above.”
Without a doubt, any of Trevor Zegras, Martin Necas or Kent Johnson would make the Canadiens a better team — and add other dynamics to the forward group in the process. But the price would not be cheap for any of the trio of forwards.
It'll be intriguing to see if the Habs front office ends up making a splash this offseason, as the franchise looks to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021 next April.
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