Best fits for fringe NHL playoff teams to complete their roster

Some NHL teams aggressively added to their roster this offseason in hopes of improving their Stanley Cup odds, while others traded assets for a better shot at a high pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Several teams, however, merely lack one piece that could put them into the thick of playoff contention. Here are 2024-25 fringe playoff teams and the best fits to complete their roster. (Last season's record and standing are in parentheses.)

Montreal Canadiens (40-31-11, fifth in Atlantic Division)

Missing piece: second-line center | Best fit: Mason McTavish, Anaheim Ducks

The Canadiens, who squeaked into the playoffs last season, were aggressive this summer, trading two first-round picks for top defenseman Noah Dobson as well as high-end prospect Logan Mailloux for forward Zac Bolduc.

However, there's still a gaping hole in Montreal's lineup: second-line center. With Kirby Dach still recovering from injury and Alex Newhook putting up less-than-ideal stats as a second-line center, Montreal should be in the trade market.

McTavish, a third overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2021, has recently been linked to the Canadiens. After putting up 52 points in 76 games last season, he would slide in perfectly into Montreal's second line alongside touted rookie Ivan Demidov. 

The Canadiens also have the assets to pull off a deal, with first-round picks in each of the next three drafts and plenty of talent among their prospect group. GM Kent Hughes is going all-in this offseason, so don't be surprised if McTavish ends up in Montreal.

Detroit Red Wings (39-35-8, sixth in Atlantic Division)

Missing piece: Top-four defenseman | Best fit: Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins

The Red Wings, who missed the playoffs last season, have been quiet this offseason. GM Steve Yzerman's biggest deals were the additions of goalie John Gibson and depth winger James Van Riemsdyk.

Unfortunately for Yzerman, many players he may have targeted were quickly off the market.