As the Montreal Canadiens surge out of the gate with an impressive start to the 2025-26 NHL season, a quiet—but persistent—question lingers beneath the surface of every victory. The team’s newfound energy and chemistry have electrified fans across Quebec, but beneath the celebration lies a strategic dilemma that could shape not only the fate of this season, but the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. In the heart of the debate is a glaring absence: the Canadiens, for all their strengths, are skating without a true second-line center, a void that grows more conspicuous with each passing game.

The pressure is mounting on General Manager Kent Hughes, whose patience and vision have guided the Habs through a turbulent rebuild. Yet, as the weeks roll by and playoff aspirations become more than just a distant dream, the urgency to address the team’s center depth intensifies. The NHL’s trade market, always unpredictable and rife with speculation, has begun to swirl with rumors—none more captivating than those surrounding Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri. Kadri, a proven veteran with a championship pedigree, has become the centerpiece of heated debates and bold trade proposals, with insiders and fans alike wondering: is he the missing piece to Montreal’s puzzle?

But as whispers of a potential blockbuster deal grow louder, so too do the questions about what it would actually cost to bring Kadri to Montreal. The Flames, already looking beyond this season, appear willing to part ways with their top-line center, but not without extracting a hefty price. Would the Canadiens be forced to sacrifice a prized prospect, or perhaps a coveted first-round pick? The stakes are high, and the risks even higher, as Hughes weighs the future of the franchise against the immediate need to solidify his roster.

In the corridors of sports radio and online forums, passionate debates rage on. Some argue that Montreal must seize the moment, even if it means parting ways with young talent like David Reinbacher, whose potential has drawn comparisons to NHL stars of the past. Others caution against mortgaging the future for a player whose contract and age raise legitimate concerns. The tension is palpable, and every rumor adds fuel to the fire, leaving fans and analysts on edge as they await Hughes’ next move.

Meanwhile, Kadri’s own situation is far from simple. With three years left on his lucrative contract and a reputation for clutch performances, he represents both opportunity and risk. Could he be the perfect bridge to the next generation of Habs centers, or would his acquisition prove to be a costly gamble? And as the specter of other superstar possibilities—like the elusive Sidney Crosby—dances in the minds of hopeful fans, the question remains: can Montreal afford to wait, or is now the time to act?

Tonight, as the Canadiens prepare to take the ice, the answers remain tantalizingly out of reach. The possibility of a seismic trade looms over the franchise, promising drama, excitement, and perhaps even controversy. For now, the only certainty is uncertainty—and the knowledge that every decision made in the coming days could echo through the halls of the Bell Centre for seasons to come. Will Kent Hughes pull the trigger, or will patience prevail? The story is just beginning, and its conclusion is anyone’s guess.

Oct 28, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (91) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Even if the start of the season for the Montreal Canadiens is excellent, the fact remains that the club is playing without truly having a real second-line center.

While this might not seem like an issue right now, it could become a serious problem in the coming weeks.

It’s no surprise, then, that Kent Hughes is still looking for that center.

His patience will surely pay off, because as the season goes on, more and more players become available across NHL teams.

As proof, the Calgary Flames already seem to have given up on their plans to make the playoffs.

It’s no coincidence that Nazem Kadri’s name is at the center of many rumors and speculations.

But what would it cost to acquire Kadri?

Kent Hughes will have to pay big if he wants to fix his center problem

It’s difficult to evaluate Kadri’s trade value on the market since we don’t know if there’s much interest (bidding war) or not.

One thing is certain: the veteran won’t come cheap – he still has three more years left on his contract.

So Kent Hughes won’t be able to get the Ontarian at a low price.

That’s fine, because the Habs have the assets to win a bidding war.

The GM has also already mentioned that he won’t hesitate to pay the price – or even overpay – to acquire the right player.

“You know, so far, we haven’t always made the best decisions. But you can’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

“I often see people saying that we haven’t managed to get a second-line center. I don’t see it that way,» said the Montrealer. We know we want to improve our second line, but we never said we absolutely had to do it in the summer of 2025.”

– Kent Hughes

On BPM Sports, the hosts had fun making trade proposals to the Flames for their center.

While Alain Crête thinks Craig Conroy will ask for a first-round pick or a top prospect, Gilbert Delorme is categorical: they’ll have to give up none other than David Reinbacher.

“They’re going to ask for David Reinbacher… They’ll definitely ask for that.

– Gilbert Delorme

That was enough to set off a heated debate in the studio.

Delorme isn’t wrong: Kent Hughes will have no choice but to pay a big price if he wants to fix his issue at center.

He can’t just wait and let his chance to step on the gas slip away.

It’s true that Reinbacher is still young and could become another Mikhail Sergachev.

That could slow Hughes down – just as it makes show host Anthony Desaulniers hesitant.

But nothing ventured, nothing gained, and the Habs may have to part ways with Reinbacher – whether for Kadri or another player – to solidify their center line.

Nazem Kadri, a good fit for the Habs

Kadri, 35, still has three more seasons left on his contract, with an average annual salary of $7 million.

For many, that’s a lot for his age, but it’s worth remembering that in two or three years, that amount will represent just a fraction of the team’s salary cap.

The forward could very well be the perfect transition piece while waiting for Michael Hage’s arrival.

Over the last four seasons – since 2021-2022 – Kadri has recorded 87, 56, 75, and 67 points, respectively.

This season, he’s averaging 17 minutes and 26 seconds of ice time and is centering the Flames’ top line between Jonathan Huberdeau and Morgan Frost.

For those who prefer to wait for Sidney Crosby, here’s a little word for you: yes, his arrival in Montreal would be perfect, but Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes can’t just sit back and wait for number 87 to decide to leave Pittsburgh.

That may never happen, and the Canadiens would have missed great opportunities to add immediate help.

As for whether Kadri is worth a David Reinbacher – I’ll let you be the judge.