The Montreal Canadiens have a clear need to add another center, especially with the latest news around Kirby Dach.
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Canadiens acquire Ryan O’Reilly from the Nashville Predators to fill the major need for a second-line center.
Canadiens acquire:
Predators acquire:
- Owen Beck
- Jayden Struble
- 2026 second-round pick
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Montreal would solidify their second-line center role for a second-round pick, a center prospect, and a young NHL defenseman.
The Canadiens would acquire O’Reilly, who would be a perfect second-line center for Montreal. O’Reilly is entering the third year of his four-year, $18 million deal. O’Reilly would be a great veteran leader for Montreal and add some offense. He recorded 21 goals and 32 assists for 53 points in 79 games. He helped lead the St. Louis Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019.
In return, the Canadiens would give up a second-round pick, which they have two of in 2026, and two young players. Montreal would give up Beck, who projects to be a bottom-six center in the NHL. Beck was selected in the second round in 2022 and spent most of last season in the AHL. He did skate in 12 NHL games, recording 1 assist, but he would fit in with a young Predators roster.
The Canadiens would also trade Struble, who doesn’t have a clear path to playing time as Montreal is stacked on defense. Struble was selected in the second round in 2019. He skated in 56 games, recording 2 goals and 11 assists for 13 points. He’d be a good third-pairing defenseman for Nashville. Struble is entering the first year of his two-year, $2.825 million deal.
Canadiens Could Need a Center After Dach Update
Dach is projected to be Montreal’s second-line center, but he may not be ready for Opening Night due to his injury.
Dach underwent knee surgery in February, which ended his season. The hope was that he’d be ready for this season. However, Maxime Truman of DansLesCoulisses reported that Dach is unlikely to be ready to begin the season.
“Five months after his most recent knee surgery and about forty days before the start of training camp, Kirby Dach is still not recovered and ready to play,” Truman wrote…
“Let’s just say that the chances of Dach starting the season at the same time as everyone else is two months are still pretty slim, which is enough to worry those hoping to see the Canadiens make the playoffs in 2026.”
With Dach battling injuries, it would be wise for the Canadiens to pursue a trade for a center. O’Reilly would be a great fit as he could also slide down to the third-line center role if Dach ends up being healthy.
Canadiens GM Knows Team Isn’t Set
Montreal’s general manager, Kent Hughes, has been active in adding more talent to their roster.
The Canadiens added the likes of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc in their big moves. Yet, Hughes says he may not be done, due to the first wave of free agency being done.
“My focus is more so on what we can do to build a team that’s capable of competing for the Stanley Cup,” Hughes said… “The reality is, we’re not going to put the perfect team together over the course of one summer. We recognize we have other things we’d like to accomplish.”
The Canadiens surprisingly made the playoffs last season.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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