The Montreal Canadiens took a significant step forward in 2025-26, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since marching all the way to the Stanley Cup Final back in 2020-21.
Although it ended in disappointment — in the form of a five-game loss to the eventual champion Carolina Hurricanes — the legitimate contention window is clearly wide open in Quebec.
Now, general manager Kent Hughes appears focused on addressing several key areas of need as the organization looks to take another step and return to hockey glory.
Montreal has identified three positions it would like to upgrade before the start of next season, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported on Sunday.
“A second-line centre and a second-pair right-shot defenceman top Montreal’s wish list,” the hockey insider wrote.
“But word across the league suggests the Canadiens are also looking around for a second-line left wing… since they weren’t able to get one at the deadline.”
The Canadiens had a deal in place for Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Matthew Knies ahead of the trade deadline, but it was voided after the trade was submitted too late.
As for a 2C, adding an effective one who could move Jake Evans and Phillip Danault down the lineup has been viewed as a priority for months.
Although captain Nick Suzuki continues to anchor the top line, the Canadiens have lacked a true long-term solution behind him. Finding a reliable second-line pivot would help ease the offensive burden on Suzuki while providing more balance throughout the lineup.
The blue line is another area Montreal is hoping to strengthen.
The Habs possess an impressive collection of rearguards, led by budding superstar Lane Hutson and defensive stalwart Mike Matheson. Even so, the organization reportedly would like to add a right-shot defender capable of handling second-pairing minutes. Such a move would give head coach Martin St. Louis another dependable option while helping stabilize the defensive group.
The Canadiens have cap flexibility and a deep prospect pool, giving Hughes multiple avenues to improve the roster through trades or free agency.
With one of the NHL’s most promising young cores — and the Atlantic Division remaining one of hockey’s toughest battlegrounds — an aggressive offseason approach makes perfect sense for the most storied franchise in the sport.
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