With the puck about to drop on the 2025-26 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at the center of a swirling storm of rumors and speculation.

The quest for a second-line center has dominated headlines in Montreal, with general manager Kent Hughes feeling the pressure to fill a crucial roster spot. Yet, despite months of searching, the Canadiens remain empty-handed—and the situation just took an unexpected turn that could change everything.

A sudden injury to Florida Panthers star Aleksander Barkov has sent shockwaves through the league, and now, according to TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie, a new contender has emerged in the hunt for a top-six center.

With Panthers GM Bill Zito jumping into the fray, Kent Hughes faces fresh competition at the worst possible moment. Could this new twist derail Montreal’s plans, or will the Canadiens find a way to outmaneuver their rivals?

Meanwhile, the strong play of Kirby Dach in training camp offers a glimmer of hope, but questions remain about the team’s depth and strategy. And with whispers about Pavel Zacha, Evgeni Malkin, and even Sidney Crosby circulating, the stakes have never been higher. What happens next could reshape the entire season—stay tuned for the full story.

Canadiens and Panthers

Photo credit: HabsFanatics/NHL

The acquisition of a second-line center has been the number-one topic of discussion for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

That said, just days before the start of the 2025-26 regular season, the Canadiens still haven’t managed to land that elusive second-line center, and the situation is becoming increasingly complicated.

As mentioned by TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie, a new name has just entered the mix for the acquisition of a second-line center.

Injury suffered by Aleksander Barkov: A new team enters the mix for a second-line center according to Renaud Lavoie

Indeed, following the major announcement that dropped regarding Barkov, general manager Bill Zito has now also gotten to work seriously to acquire a top-six center.

This really throws a wrench in the plans for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

That said, the good news is that Kirby Dach seems to be having a strong training camp, so the search for a second center may be a little less urgent for now.

All of that could change very quickly once the season begins, but still..

We’ll have to keep an eye on what happens with Pavel Zacha and the Boston Bruins:

As for the Florida Panthers, a name like Evgeni Malkin could become very intriguing while waiting for Barkov’s return to action.

Could all this also have an impact on the Sidney Crosby situation?

More to come..