The Montreal Canadiens are a team in transition, balancing the delicate art of rebuilding with the relentless demands of staying competitive in the unforgiving world of the NHL. Every move, every signing, and every decision by General Manager Kent Hughes is under the microscope—not just from the media, but from a passionate fanbase hungry for progress and wary of setbacks. And while the chatter around the city often centers on blockbuster trades and superstar arrivals, there’s a subtler, more strategic game unfolding behind the scenes—one that could shape the future of the franchise in ways few expect.

As the season grinds on, injuries and inconsistency have exposed the cracks in the Canadiens’ lineup. The calls for a legitimate second-line center have grown louder, with fans and analysts alike speculating about potential big-name targets who might finally push Montreal into the playoff conversation. It’s tempting to imagine a headline-grabbing acquisition, the kind that instantly changes the narrative and electrifies the Bell Centre. But according to respected insider Eric Engels, that’s not the path Kent Hughes is charting right now.

On a recent episode of Tony Marinaro’s podcast, Engels peeled back the curtain on the Canadiens’ true intentions. Instead of swinging for the fences, Hughes is quietly considering a move that’s far more understated—but potentially just as impactful. The idea? Targeting a low-cost, reliable veteran who can reinforce the roster without jeopardizing the team’s long-term vision. It’s a strategy rooted in patience, prudence, and a clear-eyed understanding of where the Canadiens stand in their rebuild.

Engels points out that the waiver wire is a tool often overlooked by fans fixated on blockbuster deals. For a team with limited cap space and dozens of contracts already on the books, the ability to claim a proven NHL veteran at a minimum salary could be the perfect solution. It’s not about chasing headlines or making waves—it’s about adding depth, stability, and experience to a young, evolving locker room. And while such moves might fly under the radar, their impact can be quietly transformative.

The approach echoes last season’s acquisition of Alex Carrier—a move that didn’t make front-page news, but nonetheless provided valuable depth and leadership during a critical stretch. Engels believes Hughes could be eyeing a similar transaction this year, one that keeps the rebuild on track while ensuring the team remains competitive and resilient. It’s a philosophy that values consistency over chaos, and development over desperation.

But with the trade deadline looming and the Canadiens facing mounting pressure to deliver results, the question remains: Will Kent Hughes stick to his cautious blueprint, or will circumstances force his hand? Could a veteran addition be the missing piece, or is the fanbase destined to wait a little longer for the big splash they crave? The answers are anything but obvious—and the next few weeks could offer unexpected twists in Montreal’s ongoing story.

For those eager to see what’s really happening behind closed doors, and why the Canadiens’ next move could surprise everyone, the full story awaits.

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, Eric Engels

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The Montreal Canadiens may target a low-cost, reliable veteran to reinforce the roster without derailing the rebuild or taking on unnecessary risk.

Many fans are hoping for a big splash, often pointing to the need for a legitimate center to push the team forward.

But according to Eric Engels, that’s not what’s unfolding behind the scenes.

He believes Kent Hughes is aiming for something more discreet. An addition that costs less and stays consistent with the rebuilding plan. I completely agree with that.

On Tony Marinaro’s podcast, Engels explained that the Canadiens want to stay competitive without compromising their long-term plan.

Hughes therefore has to be careful with his young players and his money.

That’s why Engels believes a reliable veteran is the most realistic option right now:

“Depth. It’s a depth kind of move for an NHL-reliable, veteran-proven type of player.

You know, the waiver wire, when you’re a team like the Canadians, it’s not necessarily because you’d be so interested in a player. But like I said, when you have 42 contracts on the books, you’re looking at minimum salary type players, and you don’t have much to lose. You claim a player on waivers, you have to keep them on your roster for 30 days. It’s something to consider.”

– Eric Engels

He doesn’t see a path to acquiring a legitimate second-line center at this stage of the season.

“Right now, if people are out there saying, OK, they need a second-line centre, so are they going to get that second-line centre and this and that? I don’t think that’s happening right now. I don’t think the conditions are ripe to get that type of player, but you can get – I mean, we’ll see if you can get an NHL type of player that is reliable and has some veteran experience.”

– Engels

I share the same opinion. As he says, a “depth” player, especially with injuries, would be ideal.

An example that keeps coming up: acquiring Alex Carrier was a good move

Engels pointed to last year’s Alex Carrier acquisition as proof that smaller additions can still make a meaningful impact.

According to him, Kent Hughes could make the same kind of small trade again. A quieter veteran who comes in and helps the team without making noise.

In his opinion, it doesn’t derail the rebuild and it makes the locker room more solid. We’ll see in the next few weeks whether the GM decides to go in that direction.