As the Montreal Canadiens continue to defy expectations with a surprisingly strong start to the 2025-26 NHL season, the mood around the Bell Centre is a curious mix of optimism and uncertainty. On the surface, the team appears to be riding a wave of newfound confidence, but beneath the excitement, subtle cracks are beginning to show. Injuries have started to pile up, the lineup is in flux, and the question of long-term stability looms large. For General Manager Kent Hughes, the challenge is clear: how to build on early momentum while navigating the unpredictable waters of a grueling campaign.

The Canadiens’ recent performances have sparked hope among fans, but also raised serious questions. A string of shaky games has exposed lingering weaknesses, especially at center—a position that has haunted Montreal for years. While Oliver Kapanen’s emergence has provided a temporary solution, insiders know that the issue is far from resolved. The GM’s phone is buzzing, the rumor mill is churning, and whispers of potential trades are growing louder by the day.

It’s no secret that Kent Hughes is relentless in his pursuit of improvement. Even with the team exceeding expectations, he remains vigilant, scanning the league for opportunities to bolster the roster. The list of rumored targets has grown longer with each passing week, and now, thanks to a respected insider, two intriguing names have entered the conversation—veteran forwards whose resumes and reputations could make a dramatic impact in Montreal. Their arrival would signal a bold new chapter for the Canadiens, one that could reshape the team’s identity and ambitions overnight.

But who are these mysterious trade candidates? What makes them particularly attractive to Hughes and his trusted advisor, Jeff Gorton? And why are league insiders suddenly convinced that Montreal is on the verge of a major move? The answers lie in the unique circumstances facing both players: seasoned professionals, each with a Stanley Cup ring, currently playing for teams mired in early-season struggles. The possibility of a rebuild in St. Louis and Nashville has cast a shadow over their futures, and the Canadiens’ management is watching closely, eager to pounce if the opportunity arises.

Yet, the stakes are higher than ever. Montreal’s front office must weigh the risks and rewards of acquiring high-profile veterans—balancing salary cap realities, contract lengths, and the delicate chemistry of a young, developing roster. With millions of dollars and years of commitment on the line, every decision carries enormous consequences. The allure of experience and championship pedigree is undeniable, but will it be enough to push the Canadiens to the next level? Or could it disrupt the progress they’ve worked so hard to achieve?

As speculation intensifies and the trade deadline inches closer, fans are left wondering what moves Kent Hughes will make—and how they might redefine the future of the franchise. The answers aren’t simple, and the story is far from finished. In the world of NHL hockey, anything can happen, and for the Montreal Canadiens, the next chapter promises to be as unpredictable as ever. Stay tuned as we uncover the latest developments, the names in play, and what it all means for one of hockey’s most storied teams.

Photo of Canadiens GM Kent Hughes

Photo credit: NHL

Despite the excellent start to the season by the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes is still on the lookout to improve his team.

Especially with recent shaky stretches and a growing list of injuries…

We know the second-line center situation is still unresolved, even if, for now, Oliver Kapanen is giving the general manager a bit of breathing room.

Several names have circulated in rumors over the past few weeks, and now a well-known insider has added two more.

A source reveals two names for a trade involving Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens up front

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has identified Brayden Schenn and Ryan O’Reilly as potential targets for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.

“Montreal has been linked to Nazem Kadri, but I also wonder about veterans like Brayden Schenn and Ryan O’Reilly as potential targets later in the season.”

– David Pagnotta

Both veterans are in similar situations.

They are 34 years old and play for teams that are struggling at the start of the 2025-26 season, and it’s likely that both St. Louis and Nashville could enter a rebuild at any moment.

Notably, they won the Stanley Cup together with the Blues in 2019, and it’s very likely that the Canadiens’ management would love to bring in veterans who know how to win.

As for salary, Ryan O’Reilly makes 4.5 million dollars until 2027, while Brayden Schenn earns 6.5 million and is under contract until 2028.