June 24, 2025 | 3:18pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

CANADIENS CONTINUE TO BE ACTIVE IN MARKET

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes

The Montreal Canadiens have a number of irons in the fire leading up to the NHL Draft, which begins on Friday, and GM Kent Hughes remains in the market for some extra scoring punch.

On Saturday, TFP’s David Pagnotta reported the Habs are actively looking to make roster upgrades and Hughes “is trying to turn over as many stones as he can,” and that continues to be the case.

Hughes is still hoping to land a second-line centre, but as Pagnotta reported, the Habs are open to multiple scenarios, including adding a top-six winger.

The Canadiens, according to a well-placed source, spoke with the Dallas Stars earlier this month, but talks have not yet materialized into anything close.

Dallas GM Jim Nill had entertained inquiries on left wing Jason Robertson, but remains reluctant to move him.

The Canadiens have at least $6.1 million in salary cap space, and can create more depending on which young players start the season in the AHL. While not ideal, the Canadiens can also place Carey Price on LTIR and use his $10.5 million cap hit as overage space, but such a move might not occur until closer to the season as clubs can exceed the cap by 10 percent in the off-season.

It is unclear whom the Canadiens are specifically targeting, but with a willingness to package draft picks and prospects, Hughes has multiple options to dangle.

The Habs may also explore the market on winger Josh Anderson, who has two years remaining on his contract and comes with a $5.5 million cap hit. He also owns a five-team no-trade list.