Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours from the crew at Last Word on Hockey. We’re less than a week away from the Olympic break, and teams are in a heated battle for playoff contention. The Atlantic Division in particular could not be any closer than it is right now, as just five points separate first from fifth. With that, teams are really looking at their rosters to see if they can make a move before the deadline to put them over the top to secure their position in the playoffs and make a legitimate run. One of those teams is the Montreal Canadiens. In this edition of NHL Rumours, we focus on their ongoing interest in multiple forwards from the St. Louis Blues.
All NHL rumours come from their original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours: Canadiens Eyeing Multiple Blues Forwards
Rumour: David Pagnotta spoke on the DFO Rundown and mentioned the Canadiens could have interest in one of Jordan Kyrou or Robert Thomas.
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Analysis: Pagnotta made sure not to confuse anyone by stating they’re not going after both. It’s one or the other that they would be potentially looking to acquire. The Kyrou talk stems right back from the 2025 NHL Entry Draft when the Canadiens kicked tires on him then but couldn’t get a deal done. They did, however, manage to make a deal with the Blues to acquire Zachary Bolduc. Now, as we’re coming up on the trade deadline, and the Blues are currently 10 points out of the race, they’re looking at potentially making some moves.
It’s no secret that the Canadiens have been in the market for a second-line centre to play behind Nick Suzuki. That need has kind of lessened since the beginning of the season with the outstanding play of Oliver Kapanen. Kapanen is currently in his rookie season with the Canadiens. In 54 games so far this season, the 22-year-old has 16 goals and 29 points. This has him sitting fifth in points and second in goals amongst rookies. Playing between Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov certainly helps his point totals. However, he’s been nothing short of fantastic since the start of the season. With how he has performed and that prospect, Michael Hage will soon be looking to crack the roster; the Canadiens need for a centre isn’t what it once was.
Top Line Winger Needed
Though the need for a centreman has lessened after the addition of Phillip Danault and the emergence of Kapanen, the need for a top-line scorer is still there. The Habs have been experimenting with multiple options this season to play next to Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Slafkovsky originally started there; however, he has been moved to play with Kapanen and Ivan Demidov, and that line has been lights out for the Canadiens. They then tried Bolduc, though that was short-lived. Now, recently signed Alexandre Texier finds himself on the top line, and though he has been playing well, he doesn’t truly fit as the long-term solution.
Thomas or Kyrou the Answer?
Are Thomas or Kyrou the answer? They certainly could be. Thomas would surely cost more to acquire than Kyrou. Given that Hughes does not want to deviate from the current plan, chances are they’re not willing to move the pieces it would require to bring in Thomas. Though make no mistake, he will do his due diligence and check in. Especially since we now know Thomas is available at the right price. Thomas is a centreman; however, he could certainly be used on the wing.
Kyrou, on the other hand, has seen his name in the rumour mill since this past summer and is certainly an intriguing option. He has shown over the years that he is more than capable of handling the responsibility as a top-line forward. Kyrou has scored at least 30 goals in each of the last three seasons and has hit 70 points in three of the last four. He’s currently having his worst statistical season since 2020-21; however, this should be seen as a mere blemish. He still has 12 goals and 27 points in 44 games, and the fact that his name has been in the rumour mill could be part of the reason why he’s having a less productive season than usual. A change of scenery could be just what he needs to get back on track.
Intriguing Options Arise for the Canadiens
Though there’s no certainty there will be a deal made between the Canadiens and Blues, one thing is for sure. The Canadiens have some intriguing options heading into this year’s trade deadline. The good news for Kent Hughes, the Canadiens and their fans is that there’s no rush to make a deal. The Canadiens are sitting in an excellent position heading into the deadline. With their cupboards filled with picks and prospects and sitting within striking distance of the division lead, the Canadiens can certainly take their time and weigh out their options.
They have prospects who they currently feel could fill all their needs in Hage and Alexander Zharovsky in the near future. Of course, no prospect is a guarantee. If they feel they’re in a position to add someone who is already proven and can grow with their young team, they’ll do just that. Otherwise, it will be status quo for the Canadiens.
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