3 Bounce-Back Trade Targets the Canadiens Should Consider

One thing Kent Hughes has shown during his tenure as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens is that he isn’t afraid to bet on talent. The acquisition of Kirby Dach in 2022 was the perfect example. Dach had struggled with health and consistency with the Chicago Blackhawks, but Montreal saw the upside of a former top-three pick and was willing to take a chance.

Not every project works out exactly as planned, especially with injuries playing a major role in Dach’s development, but the philosophy remains sound. Sometimes the best way to improve a young team is by acquiring players whose value has dropped rather than paying a premium for established stars. With the trade market becoming increasingly expensive, here are three young players who could benefit from a change of scenery and who could fit nicely with the Canadiens.

Connor Zary 

Connor Zary is exactly the type of player Montreal should be keeping an eye on this summer. The 24th-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft enjoyed a promising rookie campaign, recording 34 points in 63 games while showing flashes of being a legitimate top-six forward. However, he hasn’t been able to build on that production since, causing his value to dip.

Despite the disappointing results, Zary is still just 24 years old and has plenty of upside. He plays with pace, has good offensive instincts and can contribute on the power play. Those are qualities Martin St. Louis values in his lineup.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the Calgary Flames are reportedly listening to offers. If the Flames are willing to move him, Hughes should at least explore the possibility. Zary also carries a manageable contract with two years remaining at a $3.775 million cap hit. That’s the type of deal Montreal can comfortably absorb without compromising future flexibility.

Shane Wright 

It’s impossible to mention Shane Wright without thinking back to the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Montreal shocked many observers by selecting Juraj Slafkovsky first overall, allowing Wright to slide all the way to the Seattle Kraken. Since then, his development has been steady rather than spectacular, but there’s still plenty to like about his game.

The Canadiens continue to search for a long-term solution at second-line centre, and Wright could represent an interesting opportunity. He isn’t an elite offensive producer yet, but he quietly put together a respectable 44-point season in 2024-25 while continuing to develop into a reliable two-way centre. At just 22 years old, there’s still significant room for growth as he gains experience.