Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes wasted little time as the NHL offseason officially commenced. His early activity, securing players like defenseman Noah Dobson and forward Zachary Bolduc through trades, alongside free agent additions such as goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen and forward Samuel Blais, signaled a clear intent to address roster needs promptly. However, despite these initial maneuvers, the general manager has indicated his work is far from complete.
Hughes himself acknowledged the practical limitations of a single summer`s work, stating that assembling the “perfect team” is an ongoing process. This perspective suggests that while significant steps have been taken, further adjustments are anticipated before the puck drops on the new season. The expectation within league circles is that the Canadiens` lineup will see additional modifications.
The primary area of focus, and arguably the most significant remaining void, lies squarely at the second-line center position. Looking at the projected depth chart, the slot typically occupied by a key offensive contributor sits between promising young talents Zachary Bolduc and Ivan Demidov.
The uncertainty surrounding this role is underscored by the situation with forward Kirby Dach. While his name appears on the projected depth chart as a possibility for the second-line pivot, this comes with a significant caveat. Two consecutive seasons ending prematurely due to major knee surgeries cast a long and concerning shadow over his reliability in such a crucial role. The organization harbors hope for his return and full recovery, but relying solely on that potential outcome for the 2C position carries considerable risk. The preference, therefore, remains to find a more established or reliable option for that spot.
Compounding the roster-building challenge is the current salary cap situation. The Canadiens presently find themselves over the league`s upper spending limit. This is largely attributed to the significant cap hit associated with goaltender Carey Price, who remains inactive. This cap constraint means that any move to acquire a player of substance, particularly a second-line center who would command a notable salary, would almost certainly require a corresponding transaction to shed salary elsewhere on the roster.
Consequently, the stage is set for further trade activity out of Montreal. The dual objectives of filling the second-line center position with a reliable asset and navigating the salary cap landscape point towards Kent Hughes remaining actively engaged in trade discussions. The offseason, it seems, is not merely about adding pieces, but also about strategically fitting them within the economic realities of the league. The final shape of the Canadiens` roster for opening night appears destined to be determined through further negotiations and transactions.
Percy Harlow 
Ellis Thorne