The Montreal Canadiens have officially moved into the buyer category, a turnaround that galvanizes an entire province.
With only three points behind the Senators and a place in the playoffs, all of Quebec believes in it.
This scenario seemed impossible a few weeks ago, but the Habs’ recent successes, combined with an Eastern ranking that is tighter than ever, have changed the situation.
Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes have already taken a significant step by acquiring Alexandre Carrier to solidify the defense, but they don’t plan to stop there.
Their next goal? Add a center capable of also playing on the wing, a versatile player who could fit into the top-6 and support Kirby Dach, sometimes on fire, sometimes in great difficulty.
Despite the notable improvement of the CH, shortcomings remain, particularly at the second center position. Kirby Dach, although considered a long-term solution, is improving, but remains inconsistent.
Match after match, his trio sometimes has great moments of difficulty five against five.
To stay in the playoff race, Hughes and Gorton must find a key piece capable of stabilizing the offense and providing a viable alternative at center.
The trade market is full of interesting players, and the Canadian is spoiled for choice. Here are the main candidates:
1. Brock Nelson (Islanders de New York)
At 33, Nelson is a goal machine and a player capable of consistently producing in the top-6. With 21 or more goals over the last four seasons, he is a model of consistency.
His contract, at $6 million per year until 2025, is affordable for a team like CH. The Islanders might want to free up space under the salary cap.
We are talking about an efficient and versatile center. He is known for his precise shooting, his ability to find spaces in front of the net, and his playing intelligence.
Nelson, however, is experiencing a downturn this season. (21 measly points, 10 measly goals in 38 games) He is having a horrible season. But can we judge the season of a veteran in a team in total disarray like the Islanders?
His slowness on the ice could also pose a problem in an offensive system focused on speed like that of the Canadian.
The Islanders could require a second-round pick and a young player to trade Nelson, whose contract expires at the end of next season.
Nazem Kadri (Flames de Calgary)
At 34, Kadri remains an impact player on the downward slope. His $7 million per year contract until 2029 could turn off some teams, but the Flames would be willing to withhold part of his salary to complete a transaction.
In addition, Kadri has been an outspoken supporter of the Canadian since childhood. With a no-movement clause, Montreal could be one of the few destinations he would accept.
But to do this, Calgary will have to be outside the playoff picture, which is not the case at the moment. Let’s say we’re talking about a transaction that’s practically impossible to make.
Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers)
Bennett is probably the most exciting option for the Canadiens. His robust style and offensive efficiency make him a highly coveted player.
With his contract expiring this summer, the Panthers could look to trade him rather than lose him for nothing. However, they will want a player who can contribute immediately in return, which could complicate negotiations.
Bennett is more likely to test the free agent market and stay with the Panthers as a rental player. CH will be in the race to sign him this summer.
Josh Norris (Ottawa Senators)
Norris, 25, is an intriguing player. Despite a shoulder injury which slowed his progress, he showed that he was able to find his rhythm again with 30 goals this season.
The Senators could consider shaking up their core by trading him, but they will never, ever send him to a division rival…and a playoff rival…
Jean-Gabriel Pageau (New York Islanders)
The Quebecer could be an interesting option for Montreal. Known for his playoff performances and impeccable defensive play, he would bring stability to the center while adding leadership to the locker room. The Islanders would have to retain part of his salary ($5 million until 2026).
Kent Hughes has never hidden his openness to negotiate, but he now finds himself in an enviable position as a buyer.
With a young and promising roster, he can afford to sacrifice picks or prospects to add a centerpiece without compromising the future.
“If a good opportunity presents itself, we are ready to act,” a source close to the team would have confided.
The Hughes-Gorton duo proved with the acquisition of Alexandre Carrier that they are ready to move quickly. And if the CH remains in the ranking race, it’s a safe bet that another major transaction could follow by the March 7 deadline.
For supporters, this new reality is exhilarating. Going from a rebuilding team to a buying side in the space of a few weeks is a dramatic turnaround.
All of Quebec holds its breath, hoping that the Hughes-Gorton duo will be able to make the right move to propel the Canadian towards a place in the playoffs.
The dream is alive, and the CH is ready to fight.
