The Montreal Canadiens are making headlines once again as they continue to shape their roster for the upcoming NHL season. After a breakout year that showcased the impressive potential of their young core, the team faces one of its most important decisions yet—finding the right player to fill the crucial second-line center position.

With speculation swirling all off-season about possible trades and free agent signings, fans and analysts alike have been eager to see which direction the organization will take. In a move that surprised many, the Canadiens have now made it clear that one high-profile veteran will not be part of their plans.

As the market for experienced centers grows thinner and the pressure mounts to maintain financial flexibility, Montreal’s front office appears committed to building from within. This decision marks a significant moment in the team’s ongoing rebuild and signals a clear vision for the future, leaving supporters to wonder what the next chapter will hold for both the Canadiens and a notable NHL veteran still searching for his next opportunity.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes.

Photo credit: TSN

The Montreal Canadiens have reportedly been looking to upgrade the 2C spot this off-season, and now, it’s been confirmed they won’t offer a deal to Evgeny Kuznetsov.

The 2024/25 season was a coming out party for the young Montreal Canadiens, and with so much young talent for the future, they’re an organization that’s set up to succeed for a very long time to come.

One spot on the roster that this team needs to fill however is the second-line centre role, and over the past few weeks, we’ve heard many trade and free agency options for the team to fill such a spot.

Now, one player can be ruled out from their plans, as it has been officially revealed that the organization will not be offering a free agency deal to veteran Evgeny Kuznetsov, who is looking to make his return to the NHL after spending last season in the KHL.

The long-time Washington Capital has played over 700 games in the NHL thus far, but last season departed for the KHL where he tallied a solid 12 goals and 37 points in 39 games played, with the veteran realizing he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

Without much available in the way of centre’s in free agency, Kuznetsov was hoping to cash in and land a big time deal, but as of right now, he’s one of very few names remaining on the open market.

With internal options for Montreal, it appears they’re looking to go that direction to keep some financial flexibility heading into the 2025/26 regular season, with Kuznetsov set to continue waiting to find his newest team at the NHL level.