The Montreal Canadiens are on fire.
While he currently occupies a playoff spot and is only one point out of third place in the Atlantic Division, Kent Hughes finds himself in an enviable, but demanding, position.
The objective is clear: solidify the team without compromising the future, and the top priority is to find a center under contract.
This glaring need continues to grow in importance as Kirby Dach struggles to fulfill his responsibilities in the faceoff circle.
Ryan O’Reilly’s name is on everyone’s lips in Montreal. The veteran center of the Nashville Predators ticks all the boxes sought by the CH: experience, leadership, defensive reliability and, above all, efficiency in the face-off circle, an area where Dach experiences enormous difficulties.
Despite the absence of a no-trade clause in his contract, Barry Trotz, the general manager of the Predators, acts as if it exists, out of respect for his star player.
However, according to several sources, O’Reilly would not be indifferent to the charms of Montreal and the work of Martin St-Louis, perceived by many as the future recipient of the Jack Adams trophy.
Although Toronto is his hometown, O’Reilly would welcome a trade to the team of the moment, a team that surprises everyone and which is starting to believe not only in the playoffs, but also in a possible winning the Stanley Cup.
One of the main reasons for the quest for a center is Kirby Dach’s chronic ineffectiveness in faceoffs.
Although he has undeniable qualities as a playmaker and skilled skater, he struggles to establish himself in this crucial facet of the game.
His success rate of 38.0% in the faceoff circle makes him the worst of the five centers used regularly this season by CH.
This deficiency has already cost the team dearly, as evidenced by the Tampa Bay Lightning’s second goal in the last game.
After losing a crucial defensive zone duel against Brayden Point, Dach left the door open for Michael Eyssimont, who set up an easy net for Jake Guentzel.
These types of mistakes highlight the urgency of adding a player capable of assuming these responsibilities and allowing Dach to play on the wing, where he could better exploit his offensive strengths.
Martin St-Louis is well aware of Dach’s shortcomings, and he adjusts his decisions accordingly. The proof? He is the least used center in the defensive zone, with only 46 faceoffs in this situation, compared to 334 for Jake Evans, the Habs’ defensive specialist.
Even Alex Newhook, although far from being a master in this field with a success rate of 43.3%, is called upon more in critical moments.
This observation increases the pressure on the management of the CH to seek a player like O’Reilly, an expert in the faceoff circle, who could not only lighten the load on Dach, but also stabilize the structure of the team for the series.
If at the start of the season, the series seemed a distant goal, they are now a palpable reality.
Better yet, the team’s recent performances show much greater potential. The accumulated victories, the commitment of the group and the resilience displayed on the ice make it believe that the addition of a key piece like O’Reilly could transform Montreal into a real threat to the rest of the league.
Kent Hughes, pragmatic and patient, knows he must strike at the right time without compromising the long-term vision of the organization.
However, with a team that is outperforming and a coach ready to do anything to lead his group to the top, the time may have come to make a significant move.
The Canadian’s future is at stake now, and a strategic acquisition could not only consolidate a place in the playoffs, but also send a strong message to players and fans: the CH is ready to move up a gear.
The trade market is heating up around Ryan O’Reilly, and according to Elliotte Friedman, NHL teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, are seriously evaluating the possibility of acquiring the veteran center from the Nashville Predators.
In his “Saturday Headlines” segment, Friedman revealed that several teams contacted the Predators to inquire about O’Reilly’s availability.
However, Barry Trotz, general manager of Nashville, established two essential conditions before considering a trade.
“Ryan O’Reilly, when he signed with the Predators before last season, signed a four-year contract with no protection.
No no-trade clause, no no-movement clause, none of that. There’s been some speculation this year, and I think the Predators have gotten calls about him,” Friedman explained.
The Predators, despite the lack of a restrictive clause in the player’s contract, are treating O’Reilly as if he had one.
-According to Friedman, Nashville greatly respects his leadership and key role on the team, but remains open to a trade if two criteria are met:
An offer that really excites them – The Predators will not get rid of their veteran lightly. It will take an attractive offer, with significant elements in return, such as a promising young player or a first round pick.
Ryan O’Reilly’s deal – Although he does not have a no-trade clause, O’Reilly will have to agree to any proposed trade.
As of yet, there is no indication that he is actively looking to leave Nashville.
With two years remaining on his $4.5 million per season contract after this campaign, O’Reilly represents a perfect solution for Montreal, which is looking for a reliable, experienced center under contract and not a rental player.
However, one of the major obstacles is the ability of contending teams to absorb his “cap hit”, especially in a context where Nashville only has one salary retainer available.
The CH could absorb his salary easily.
The Predators want to maximize O’Reilly’s value while maintaining financial flexibility for their rebuild.
That means any trade would require a sizable return and likely the trading of an established player to balance payroll.
Montreal, which still has some room to maneuver, could offer a high draft pick or a young prospect, in exchange for the experience and leadership that O’Reilly would bring to the team.
But Nashville really wants a 1st round pick, even a protected one, for O’Reilly or a top prospect.
The Predators really need a young right-handed defenseman with a lot of potential. Right now, their right defense is shady as ever: Justin Barron, Nick Blakenburg and Luke Schenn.
Not very attractive. Could they be interested in Logan Mailloux?
It would be surprising if Hughes would want to sacrifice his 1st round pick for a veteran like O’Reilly. Currently, the CH holds the 18th choice overall.
But this choice could become more and more distant as the CH climbs in the ranking. There would indeed be a way to protect this choice (TOP 15 protection?).
Unless we offer the Flames choice? (16th overall right now)
While the Canadian is a logical suitor for O’Reilly, he will face competition from teams like the New Jersey Devils, who are actively looking for a depth center, and the New York Rangers, who could also position themselves for the file.
However, these teams face salary cap constraints that could limit their options, giving Montreal a potential advantage.
Nashville also has to take into account that the older O’Reilly gets – he turns 34 next month – the more his market value is likely to decline.
With Martin St-Louis convinced that the addition of an experienced center could propel the CH to another level, Kent Hughes could be tempted to force the Predators’ hand by submitting an aggressive offer.
The fact that O’Reilly seems in favor of moving to a team on the rise like Montreal is an encouraging factor.
In addition, the CH coach, who has transformed his group into a competitive machine, welcomes the arrival of a player who excels in faceoffs and who could lighten the load on Nick Suzuki.
If the rumors surrounding Ryan O’Reilly continue to gain momentum, it means that Montreal is ready to take a step forward.
With the Predators ready to listen to offers and O’Reilly potentially open to a change of scenery, the CH could finally get their hands on the much sought-after center to support Suzuki and propel the team into a playoff race that could take a turn exciting.
One thing is certain. Kirby Dach won’t be able to play center in the playoffs.
In this context, Ryan O’Reilly becomes the ideal candidate.
