5 Centres the Canadiens Should Target This Summer

The search for a true second-line centre has followed the Montreal Canadiens for years, and despite the club’s deep playoff run, it remains one of the organization’s biggest long-term needs. While players like Jake Evans and Phillip Danault have done an excellent job filling important roles, and Michael Hage continues to develop into a potential future top-six centre, Kent Hughes could still explore the market this summer.

Dylan Larkin

Let’s start with the biggest name. Realistically, Dylan Larkin ending up in Montreal appears unlikely. Reports suggest the Detroit Red Wings captain has already provided management with a short list of preferred destinations should a trade become necessary, and the Canadiens reportedly are not among those teams.

That being said, if Larkin somehow became available, Montreal would be foolish not to inquire. The 29-year-old has recorded five consecutive 30-goal seasons and remains one of the league’s most dangerous skating centres. His speed would fit perfectly with players such as Ivan Demidov, while his leadership would immediately strengthen Montreal’s core.

Nico Hischier

Personally, I’m in the camp that does not believe the New Jersey Devils will trade Nico Hischier. He is their captain, one of the league’s premier two-way centres, and a player every team would love to have. Players like Hischier rarely become available.

Still, whenever a player of that caliber is mentioned in rumours, every contender should pay attention. Hischier consistently produces offensively while taking on difficult defensive assignments. He wins faceoffs, kills penalties, plays in all situations and has already proven he can perform in the playoffs.

If Montreal somehow found a way to acquire him, it would instantly solve their second-line centre issue while significantly improving the team’s defensive structure down the middle. The odds may be slim, but the impact would be enormous.

Robert Thomas

Among the realistic high-end targets, Robert Thomas might be the most intriguing. The St. Louis Blues reportedly explored different options involving core players in the past, and Thomas’ name has surfaced in speculation before. Whether those discussions are still happening remains to be seen, but if he is available, Montreal should be among the first teams calling.

Thomas is one of the NHL’s solid playmakers. His vision, passing ability and puck control would make him an ideal partner for Demidov, giving the young Russian winger a centre capable of creating offence at an elite level. Unlike some other targets, Thomas is also entering his prime and fits the Canadiens’ age curve perfectly. He could realistically remain a key piece of the core for the next decade. Acquiring him would be expensive, but top-line centres rarely come cheap.

Mason McTavish

If Hughes wants to take a different approach, Mason McTavish could be a fascinating option. The 2021 third-overall pick has shown flashes of becoming a high-quality NHL centre, but his situation with the Anaheim Ducks has generated some questions. After even finding himself scratched during parts of the Ducks’ playoff run, it is fair to wonder whether both sides remain fully committed to a long-term future together.

McTavish brings a style that Canadiens fans would likely appreciate immediately. While he may never become a point-per-game player, he has the potential to develop into a reliable top-six centre who can contribute offensively while making life miserable for opposing defenders.

Most importantly, he would likely cost significantly less than players like Larkin, Hischier or Thomas. For a team that still believes in Hage’s future, McTavish could represent a smart middle-ground solution.

The Free-Agent Route

Of course, Hughes may ultimately decide not to make a major trade at all. The Canadiens could choose patience, continue relying on Danault and Evans, and wait for Hage to complete his development before making a major commitment down the middle.

If that’s the approach, a short-term free-agent addition could make sense. Boone Jenner would bring leadership, physicality and faceoff expertise. Erik Haula remains a versatile veteran capable of playing both centre and wing. Jack Roslovic offers more offensive upside and speed than the other options.

That said, none of those players truly solve Montreal’s long-term second-line centre problem. In fact, if the Canadiens decide to go the depth route, it would not be surprising if Joe Veleno returned before any of those names arrived in Montreal. Veleno already knows the organization, would come at a reasonable cost, and could continue serving as valuable depth while the Canadiens wait for their next generation of centres to arrive.

The reality is simple: Montreal’s dream targets may be difficult to acquire, but Hughes has shown repeatedly that he is willing to be patient. Whether the solution comes through a blockbuster trade, a smaller move or eventually through Hage, the Canadiens’ search for a centre will remain one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.