3 Players the Canadiens Should Target This Offseason to Elevate Their Roster

The Montreal Canadiens had a season to be proud of in 2025-26. A trip to the Eastern Conference Final proved the team is no longer rebuilding, it’s competing. But a 4-1 series loss to the Carolina Hurricanes also made it very clear that the roster has holes, and general manager Kent Hughes knows it.

The morning after elimination, Hughes confirmed he was already making calls, mapping out which players could become available this summer. The urgency is real. So is the challenge: Montreal carries just under $13 million in projected cap space for 2026-27, currently the fourth-lowest total in the league, but with 20 of 23 NHL roster spots already filled. Still, there are impactful moves to be made. Here are three players Hughes should prioritize, whether through free agency, trade, or both.

Mason McTavish, C — Anaheim Ducks

Acquiring Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks would reshape Montreal’s forward group for the next half-decade. The 23-year-old center has been connected to the Canadiens for over a year, and the interest seems genuine.

The Canadiens are expected to circle back on McTavish this summer, especially after he was an occasional healthy scratch during the playoffs. The Athletic‘s Chris Johnston ranked him fourth on his early-offseason trade board (from ‘NHL Offseason Trade Board: Early Look at Summer’s Top Targets, From Trocheck to Knies to Robertson,’ The Athletic, May 28, 2026), noting that Anaheim expected much more after signing McTavish to a six-year, $42 million extension last September. Both his average ice time and offensive production went down this season.

That’s not necessarily a condemnation of the player; it may say more about the situation in Anaheim than about McTavish himself. The 2021 third-overall pick carries no trade protection in his contract, giving the Ducks full flexibility if management decides to explore options. A change of scenery, surrounded by the likes of Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov, could unlock exactly what the Canadiens need behind their first line.

The cost would be high. But as Hughes himself has said, he’s not interested in short-term fixes. McTavish fits the window.

Matthew Knies, LW — Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies is the elephant in the room. Hughes reportedly came within a handshake of landing Knies at the trade deadline. An agreement had actually been reached between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Habs before the transaction fell through. Hughes has since made it clear he wants to revisit those discussions this summer.

The case for Knies is straightforward. He has five years remaining on a six-year, $46.5 million contract, and new Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has reportedly told teams that Auston Matthews is the only untouchable player on the roster. That opens the door.

At 23, Knies is exactly the kind of physical, high-ceiling winger Montreal lacks. He’s 6-foot-3, plays with an edge, and has shown he can produce in a top-six role. Paired alongside Demidov, the combination of size and skill would create matchup nightmares for opposing coaches. His cap hit is manageable at $7.75 million, and his contract aligns perfectly with Montreal’s current core.

Again, the cost would be high. But given that the two teams came very close to a deal already, both sides should understand the parameters. If Hughes is willing to pull the trigger, Knies is the kind of acquisition who would change Montreal’s ceiling.

Alex Tuch, LW/RW — Unrestricted Free Agent

Not every move has to be a blockbuster. Alex Tuch represents the most realistic path to upgrading the top six without depleting the prospect pool. Tuch finished the regular season with the Buffalo Sabres, recording 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games, making him the consensus top unrestricted free agent of a 2026 free agent group that, candidly, lacks star power.

His playoff struggles against the Canadiens (zero points in seven games) may temper his asking price. However, reportedly, he has held steady at around $84 million over eight years, roughly $10.5 million per season. That number is a stretch given Montreal’s cap situation, and the Canadiens’ need for a true second-line center remains the biggest roster priority heading into next season, so Hughes might prefer to allocate cap dollars toward a center rather than another winger.

But if the price softens following his postseason disappearance, Tuch’s blend of size (6-foot-4), two-way ability, and proven scoring makes him a compelling option for a team that could use a little more sandpaper in the top six. Even on a shorter, team-friendly deal, Tuch could fill a meaningful role. The fit is there; it just depends on the price.

The Bottom Line

Hughes has built something real in Montreal. The infrastructure is in place, the young core is legitimate, and the coaching staff under Martin St. Louis has proven it can develop players and win games. What’s missing is that second pillar in the forward group, the player who relieves pressure on Suzuki and opens up the lineup in ways the current roster cannot.

Finding a legitimate second-line center capable of playing with Demidov and unlocking his offensive potential remains the most critical need heading into 2026-27. McTavish addresses that directly. Knies and Tuch address depth and physicality. Hughes doesn’t need all three, but he should go after at least one of them. The calls have already started. The question is whether they lead somewhere.