The morning sun barely glints off the icy streets of Montreal before the hockey world is already humming with new possibilities. In the heart of the city, where every rumor can spark a wildfire of hope or anxiety, three names have suddenly burst onto the scene, sending shockwaves through Canadiens fans and front office alike. The waiver wire, that unpredictable lifeline for teams in search of a spark, is back—and this time, it’s offering a trio of options that could reshape the season’s narrative in a single, decisive move.

There’s an electricity in the air as whispers swirl about goaltender Laurent Brossoit, defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok, and forward Jonatan Berggren. Each name carries its own intrigue, but it’s Berggren—the 25-year-old, former high second-round draft pick—whose profile seems tailor-made for Montreal’s current ambitions. His combination of youth, experience, and untapped potential has fans racing to their phones, dissecting stats and contract details, wondering if he could be the missing piece to a puzzle that’s frustrated the Canadiens for months.

The stakes are tantalizingly low, yet the rewards could be enormous. Berggren, fresh off a one-year extension with Detroit and a cap hit that fits neatly into Montreal’s budget, is not just another name on a list. He’s a player with a proven track record—24 points in 75 games last season, 12 goals, 12 assists, and nearly 90 shots on goal. This year, he’s quietly adding points in limited action, keeping his value alive and his future uncertain. For a team like the Canadiens, who’ve already shown a willingness to pounce on waiver opportunities (Samuel Blais being the most recent example), the allure of Berggren is impossible to ignore.

Yet, it’s not just about Berggren. Brossoit, the veteran goaltender with a hefty $3.3 million cap hit, could provide stability between the pipes, while Kolyachonok, a young defenseman with upside, represents a different kind of gamble. Each player’s availability hints at deeper stories—roster crunches, unmet expectations, and the relentless churn of NHL business. For Montreal, the question isn’t just who to claim, but how these moves could ripple through the lineup, the locker room, and the fanbase.

As the waiver deadline approaches, anticipation builds. Will Kent Hughes and his staff seize the moment, or will they watch as another team snatches up a potential difference-maker? The pressure is mounting, and the city is watching. Every decision, every rumor, every name that hits the wire becomes a thread in the Canadiens’ season-long drama—a drama that could turn on a single, unexpected twist.

What happens next? Is Berggren destined to wear the bleu-blanc-rouge, or will Montreal pass on this low-cost opportunity? And what of Brossoit and Kolyachonok—could one of them be the surprise addition that fans never saw coming? The answers are just out of reach, but one thing is certain: the Canadiens are on high alert, and the next move could change everything.

Photo of Jonatan Berggren and Laurent Brossoit

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

On Monday, the waiver wire is back in the conversation around the Montreal Canadiens.

This morning, three names are circulating on NHL waivers, and it is generating plenty of discussion here.

The names being mentioned are goaltender Laurent Brossoit with the Chicago Blackhawks, defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok with the Dallas Stars, and forward Jonatan Berggren with the Detroit Red Wings.

In Berggren’s case, the context is simple and intriguing for Montreal. He is 25 years old, was drafted 33rd overall in 2018 by Detroit, and already has a solid body of NHL games under his belt.

Jonatan Berggren could interest the Canadiens

On June 30, Detroit granted him a one-year extension with an annual cap hit of $1.825M. His deal runs through the 2025-26 season, after which he will once again become a restricted free agent.

Last season, he recorded 24 points in 75 games, including 12 goals and 12 assists, and also registered 89 shots on goal. This season, he has six points in 15 games, which keeps his name on the radar.

What could attract the Montreal Canadiens is the idea of a low-cost opportunity without a trade. Montreal has already shown it does not hesitate to make waiver claims, notably with Samuel Blais on November 27.

Brossoit, meanwhile, is 32 years old and carries a $3.3M cap hit through the 2025-26 season. Kolyachonok is 24 years old, has a $775,000 cap hit, and his contract also expires after the 2025-26 season.

In short, if these names truly become available, there will be action on the waiver wire, and Montreal must at least keep its eyes open.

Jonatan Berggren with the Montreal Canadiens – would you take him?