Are the Montreal Canadiens Done Dealing This Offseason?

The Montreal Canadiens once again stole headlines in the offseason with the acquisition of defenseman Noah Dobson via a sign-and-trade from the New York Islanders on Day 1 of the 2025 NHL Draft. It was the fourth consecutive year and the third time around the NHL Draft that the Canadiens made a significant splash.

In 2022, when Montreal hosted the NHL Draft and selected Juraj Slafkovsky first overall, the Canadiens followed that up by acquiring Kirby Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks. This was followed up by the acquisition of Alex Newhook in 2023. Last year, the Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

And while the Dobson trade made the headlines, that wasn’t the only move the Canadiens made. Logan Mailloux, who David Calabretta of Full Press Hockey stated was still in play at the time of the 2025 NHL Draft, was traded to the St. Louis Blues for Zachary Bolduc. Bolduc was a player Jeff Gorton, the Executive Vice President, has kept an eye on since the Blues drafted him back in 2021. Gorton was an analyst on NHL Network at the time before the Canadiens hired him.

However, even with these moves and the signing of Joe Veleno to a one-year contract at $900,000, the feeling around Montreal is that the Canadiens are not yet finished making moves this offseason. As David Calabretta explained on Day 1 of the 2025 NHL Draft on the Full Press NHL Podcast, the Canadiens are still looking for a center line center.

Jim Biringer: “Do you think they can go after a forward this summer to address their need? I know everybody’s looking for a number two center, but you get Dobson now, do you think you can maybe add another forward?

David Calabretta: “They have to. Like I think, you don’t just get Dobson to sit back and relax and have the same model as last year to just be in the mix, right? And obviously Kirby Dach, they’re definitely giving him one last chance, let’s just say. But maybe it won’t be that big, that Elite Center, but maybe someone who can fill in the roles for the next few years. And a middle-six center. Maybe that’s all it needs for Montreal.

But like I said, I don’t think they’re done, and I do think that Montreal has definitely made Logan Mailloux still expandable (Traded to St. Louis). I still think he’s expandable now, because if you look down the line, there’s (Alexandre) Carrier Dobson now, (David) Reinacher, where’s Logan Mailloux gonna fit in? Like I said, just like the Devils with Simon Nemec, Montreal still has their prospects, which is good from the Dobson trade, and they could definitely still use it on the forward or if they hit the free agent market.”

New Jersey Devils: Sources: No Plans in the Works for the Devils to Trade Dougie Hamilton

Vancouver Canucks: What Are the Vancouver Canucks Doing?

Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto Maple Leafs Management Finally Won Contract Negotiations

Canadiens Continue to Search for a Second-Line Center

The Canadiens continue to search for that second-line center. Montreal was linked to St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou. Talks were close, and a deal could have been struck before Kyrou’s no-trade clause kicked in on July 1. However, things fell apart.

Many have speculated that the Blues may not have wanted Dach as part of the return given his injury history. However, as Full Press Hockey has reported, despite what some may think or say, whispers and rumours have been circulating in Montreal about Dach’s future with the team. It is a big year for him and could be his final run with the team.

Then add in Montreal’s reluctance to part with a first-round pick in next year’s draft as part of the package, along with other assets. Thus, we saw the Mailloux for Bolduc deal instead. But the reports continue to circle about Kyrou and the Canadiens. 

Another name to keep an eye on for the Canadiens is Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. The Anaheim Ducks and McTavish are heading to salary arbitration unless a deal can be struck beforehand. He would fill a need for Montreal in their top six as well. Even with Veleno coming in on a prove-it deal, the work is not done yet for the Canadiens. They are still looking to add.

Montreal has options as it continues to look over the market. However, this is the time of year when things slow down and there is a lull in activity until they pick up again in August. Remember, the Canadiens grabbed Patrik Laine in August last year. So, expect them to do something then if nothing happens in July.

One thing is clear: the Montreal Canadiens are still active this off-season and are looking to fill a need to remain competitive for a playoff spot.