The phones in Montreal’s front office haven’t stopped buzzing, and the city’s hockey faithful are holding their breath as a new name dominates the rumor mill: Ryan O’Reilly. Just days ago, whispers of a blockbuster move seemed like distant speculation, but now, with Pierre LeBrun’s latest revelation, the stakes have exploded—and Kent Hughes finds himself staring down one of the most dramatic dilemmas of his tenure as Canadiens GM.

Picture it: a Stanley Cup champion, a proven leader, and one of the NHL’s most respected two-way centers suddenly within reach. The Predators, struggling through a rocky start to their season, are reportedly willing to let go of their 34-year-old veteran—but only for a price that would send shockwaves through Montreal’s prospect pool. LeBrun’s insider report is clear and uncompromising: “The price on Ryan O’Reilly if the Predators decide to move him later this season would be a first round pick plus an A level prospect.” Instantly, the conversation shifts from fantasy to reality, and every fan, analyst, and front office executive in Montreal is forced to confront the true cost of chasing contention.

For a team that’s been desperately seeking help at center, the timing couldn’t be more tantalizing—or more dangerous. The Canadiens have the firepower to make the deal happen: five first-round picks between now and 2030, and a stable of young talents that includes David Reinbacher, Jacob Fowler, Adam Engstrom, and Michael Hage. But is it worth sacrificing a piece of the future for a veteran whose best years might be behind him, even if his leadership and pedigree are exactly what Montreal’s locker room craves?

The drama only intensifies as Predators scouts are spotted watching Canadiens games, fueling speculation that Nashville is serious about a shakeup—and that Montreal is firmly in their sights. To complicate matters, rumors of Steven Stamkos-to-Montreal have begun to swirl, creating an atmosphere thick with possibility and tension. Suddenly, the question isn’t just about Ryan O’Reilly—it’s about whether the Canadiens are ready to risk it all for a shot at immediate relevance, or whether patience and development remain the true path forward.

Kent Hughes, known for his willingness to make bold moves, now faces a crossroads that could define his legacy. The pressure is immense: fans are hungry for a playoff run, the need at center is undeniable, and the opportunity to land a player of O’Reilly’s caliber doesn’t come around often. Yet, the price—a first-round pick and a top prospect—feels more like the cost of a franchise player than a veteran rental, and the risk of overpaying looms large.

As the debate rages on, one thing becomes clear: there are no easy answers. Is Montreal ready to gamble on experience at the expense of youth? Will Hughes pull the trigger, or will the high price cool the Canadiens’ interest just as the rumor reaches its boiling point? And if Nashville is truly open for business, could this be the moment that changes the trajectory of both franchises?

Dive into the full story to uncover the details, the drama, and the potential fallout of a trade that could reshape Montreal’s future—and decide for yourself whether Ryan O’Reilly is worth the price.

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

New information regarding Ryan O’Reilly is starting to fuel discussions in Montreal, and it could change the way many view the situation.

According to information from Pierre LeBrun, the Predators are demanding a first-round pick and a top prospect to trade Ryan O’Reilly.

This demand immediately puts the Canadiens in an uncomfortable position, because the team has clearly been seeking help at center for several weeks, but maybe not at that price.

The situation becomes even more interesting when you see that Nashville is having a very difficult start to the season and could genuinely consider letting their 34-year-old veteran go in order to think about the future. Predators scouts have been closely monitoring the Canadiens, and even whispers of Stamkos-to-Montreal have also been gaining some steam.

With this information, you quickly realize the asking price is not small. A first-round pick and a top-tier young prospect is usually reserved for star players.

In Ryan O’Reilly’s case, we are talking about a Stanley Cup champion, a former captain, and a player respected for his complete game-and that’s where it becomes a real debate for Montreal.

“As mentioned on Insider Trading, the price on Ryan O’Reilly if the Predators decide to move him later this season would be a first round pick plus an A level prospect.”

– Pierre Lebrun

The price for Ryan O’Reilly puts Kent Hughes in front of a real dilemma

It is clear that the Canadiens have the assets to pay what Nashville is asking. Five first-round picks between now and 2030, a long list of young talents like David Reinbacher, Jacob Fowler, Adam Engstrom or Michael Hage, and a GM who has never ruled out the idea of overpaying to accelerate his club’s progression.

However, in my view, the real question is whether sacrificing a major prospect for a 34-year-old veteran truly represents the right path.

Personally, I believe Kent Hughes must analyze this situation with great caution.

And to be honest, it is certain that this high price could cool Montreal’s interest, even if the need at center is very real for the Canadiens.