The Montreal Canadiens have a need for a second-line center, and a new trade pitch has them solving it.
Heavy.com has a trade idea that sees the Canadiens acquiring Jared McCann from the Seattle Kraken in an intriguing move.
Canadiens acquire:
Kraken acquire:
- Kirby Dach
- 2026 second-round pick
The proposed deal would be an intriguing one. Montreal would acquire McCann from the Kraken for Dach and a second-round pick. The Canadiens get an upgrade as their second-line center, while Seattle gets a younger player who fits their young core better.
Montreal would add McCann, who is a perfect second-line center for the Canadiens, and add some more offense to the lineup. He’s entering the fourth year of a five-year, $25 million deal, so it’s an affordable contract for Montreal. The 29-year-old would be an impact forward for the Canadiens and make the team much better. He recorded 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points in 82 games last season
In return, Seattle would acquire a second-round pick and Dach, who would replace McCann in the lineup. Dach was selected third overall in 2019, but the 24-year-old has battled injuries in his career.
Dach is entering the final year of his four-year, $13.45 million deal. But he’s an RFA at the end of the deal, so Seattle would have his rights. He recorded 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 57 games with the Canadiens last season before a season-ending injury.
McCann Would Fill Canadiens’ Need
If Montreal is going to take the next step and be a legit Stanley Cup contender, the Habs need to add a true second-line center.
Dach is projected to be the second-line center, but he has dealt with injuries throughout his career. McCann would be an offensive upgrade, but Canadiens’ exec Jeff Gorton is fine with the centers.
“No, I think we’re comfortable. We know we’re not a finished product,” Gorton told RG in a recent exclusive interview when asked if fit was imperative to acquire a new second-line center before the 2025-26 regular season begins. We’re going to still look and try to improve our team always. A lot of people are talking about centers but we have centers in our organization, and we’re comfortable with that going into camp.”
However, if the opportunity presents itself, perhaps a trade does happen, and McCann would be a perfect second-line center for the Canadiens.
Canadiens Hopeful Dach Will Be Healthy
If Montreal doesn’t add a center, Dach will be a key member of the team.
Dach was supposed to be an impact player in the NHL after being selected third overall. But, he has dealt with injuries. His status for the start of the season is up in the air, but Canadiens’ GM Kent Hughes is hopeful he will be healthy.
“Our hope is that he’s ready to go, either start of the season or some point early in the fall,” Hughes said. “But we certainly have no intention of rushing him in any way. We need to get Kirby back when Kirby is ready to be back physically and then be very mindful and careful with his return to play.”
Dach has skated in just 117 games in three seasons with the Canadiens.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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