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What Else Do The Montreal Canadiens Have Planned This Offseason

Originally posted on Full Press Hockey  |  By Jim Biringer  |  Last updated Jul 17, 2025 10:02 AM ET

The NHL offseason continues to roll on, with a lull in action for now. However, that does not mean teams like the Montreal Canadiens are not looking to improve. It has already been a busy offseason with the acquisitions of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc, along with the signing of Joe Veleno, Sammy Blais, and Kaapo Kahkonen.

However, just because the Canadiens didn’t go big in free agency does not mean General Manager Kent Hughes or Executive Vice President Jeff Gorton are not looking to improve their team or shed salary. Lane Hutson is eligible for an extension, but the Canadiens will wait this out, given that they just signed Noah Dobson to a new deal. There are more pressing needs, including in the forward group, as Full Press Hockey recently documented. 

With the Montreal Canadiens operating near the salary cap, reports suggest that they will attempt to unload Carey Price‘s contract. Remember, his signing bonus is paid out in September, and placement on LTIR will not occur until the Canadiens open training camp. He is evaluated by the medical staff, deemed unable to perform, and cleared for LTIR.

Over the last couple of seasons, the Canadiens have been operating under LTIR, and they aim to shed that salary so they can improve and become a consistent playoff team. However, Price is not the only name being mentioned this offseason in Montreal.

How Will Montreal Handle Mike Matheson Moving Forward?

With the Montreal Canadiens looking to acquire a top-six forward, along with half the League, the price is going to be high. With Logan Mailloux already traded to St. Louis, everyone is looking at Mike Matheson or Patrik Laine. Both players are entering the final years of their deals. But there are questions on the backend with Kaiden Guhle, and can he take on the minutes asked of a top-four defenseman in the league?

As explained on TSN 690 in Montreal, it is not always the best idea to weaken an area of strength just to address a position of need. Having Matheson on the backend will only help the younger defenseman grow. Remember, Lane Hutson is coming into his second full season after winning the Calder Trophy last year as NHL Rookie of the Year.

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

Vancouver Canucks: What Are the Vancouver Canucks Doing?

Montreal Canadiens: Montreal Canadiens Acquire Defenseman Noah Dobson

Guhle’s next extension kicks in, and this is the year the expectations rise not only for him but also for the team. Remember, this is the year the Montreal Canadiens are supposed to make the playoffs. Having Mike Matheson on the backend increases those chances. However, like with David Savard last year, who retired after Montreal’s playoff run, the trade rumours will persist until Matheson signs an extension.

And that is an option for Matheson and the Canadiens as well. Sign a team-friendly deal to solidify the backend, allowing the team to develop its prospects and prepare them for the NHL. Jeff Gordon and Kent Hughes want this team to be a consistent playoff team, not one-and-done. Having a veteran like Matheson gives them the best chance.

Is Patrik Laine Part of the Future in Montreal?

Another name that has been floated around is Patrik Laine. Laine is also entering the final year of his deal, paying him $9 million a season. Montreal acquired Laine last year and helped the Canadiens surge when he returned to the lineup and got to the playoffs. Hughes said as much at the year-end press conference. Laine loves the city and feels at home in Montreal.

Laine and Ivan Demidov, on one power play unit, make the Canadiens power play very dangerous. Though there are rumblings, getting Laine to agree to a team-friendly deal moving forward also helps the Montreal Canadiens contend for the playoffs every year. Everyone knows what Laine is. He is a goal scorer, and his defensive play will never be elite. However, they need him to keep their offense up.

Not to mention, if Kirby Dach can stay healthy and prove to be a viable second-line center, the Canadiens may have depth down the middle and a solid top nine that can score five-on-five. Again, all options are on the table for both players. However, the best option might be to keep both unless they provide value in return.

What About Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson

Two other names that continue to be mentioned in trade rumors are Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson. As Full Press Hockey has noted, Anderson has been linked to the New Jersey Devils for the last couple of years. However, sources indicated the Devils were not looking to acquire him. But his name is out there, according to David Calabretta of Full Press Hockey. 

In addition to Anderson, Gallagher’s name was circulating at the NHL Draft. According to Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, nothing appears close as the Canadiens still value him on the ice and in the room. Gallagher has two years left at $6.5 million. So both players were salary dumps.

The job is never complete for managers and executives in the NHL. Expect the Montreal Canadiens to be more active later on in the offseason. Though there is a dip in the action, Montreal could be prepping itself for another big splash late in the summer.

This article first appeared on Full Press Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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