The NHL trade market is buzzing with unexpected developments, and the Montreal Canadiens may have just been handed a golden opportunity. As whispers circulate about the potential availability of Utah Hockey Club center Nick Schmaltz, excitement is building among Habs fans and analysts alike.

With the offseason heating up and the Canadiens openly searching for ways to strengthen their roster, Schmaltz’s name surfacing in trade rumors couldn’t come at a better time. Known for his consistent production and versatile playmaking ability, Schmaltz would be a significant upgrade for any team in need of center depth.

The possibility of adding a proven, reliable scorer to complement Nick Suzuki has sparked plenty of speculation and anticipation throughout Montreal. While nothing is certain yet, the mere mention of Schmaltz as a trade candidate has already set the stage for what could be one of the summer’s most intriguing storylines. As insiders continue to hint at movement behind the scenes, all eyes are now on the Canadiens’ front office to see if they can seize this unexpected chance to make a major splash.

Apr 14, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Utah Hockey Club center Nick Schmaltz (8) celebrates a goal with center Clayton Keller (9) against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have just received a surprising piece of good news regarding the NHL trade market. Center Nick Schmaltz’s name is reportedly possibly available in trade talks!

A pleasant surprise!

This would be a very interesting new option for the Habs to fill the team’s second-line center role behind Nick Suzuki.

The rumor is still fresh, but it’s definitely something for Canadiens fans to keep an eye on.

RUMOR: Nick Schmaltz Surprisingly Available for a Trade?

This would be a big-name target here.

Elliotte Friedman: “One name I’m curious about is Utah’s Nick Schmaltz; he’s heading into the last year of his current deal; I’m wondering what his future is there”

– 32 Thoughts Podcast

For an insider like Elliotte Friedman to say something like that, he clearly heard something along those lines.

Nick Schmaltz, 29 years old, is a 6-foot, 184-pound center who was the 20th overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2014 NHL Draft (1st round).

He has racked up 423 points in 588 career NHL games, and during the 2024-2025 season, he recorded 63 points in 82 games.

In the previous seasons, Schmaltz posted 61, 58, and 59 points, showing impressive consistency.

He would be a major acquisition for any team looking to boost its center depth, especially considering his very reasonable $5.85 million annual salary, which runs through the end of the 2026 season.

With the emergence of Logan Cooley and Barrett Hayton, and the addition of Caleb Desnoyers, he could potentially become available in Utah.

A situation to watch, especially with Jeff Gorton publicly stating that the Canadiens aren’t done and could still make more moves.