The Montreal Canadiens have a need for a second-line center, and the Habs could look to solve that in a blockbuster trade.
Heavy.com has a trade idea that would see the Canadiens acquiring Quinton Byfield from the Los Angeles Kings in a stunning deal.
Canadiens acquire:
Kings acquire:
- Kirby Dach
- David Reinbacher
- 2026 first-round pick
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Montreal would acquire Byfield to be their second-line center and add more offense to the lineup. However, the Habs give up an NHL center, a top defensive prospect, and a first-round pick, as it is a hefty return, but one that would bolster Montreal’s offense.
Montreal would acquire Byfield, who would be the team’s second-line center and would fit in perfectly with the young core. Byfield was selected second overall in 2020 and is entering the second year of a five-year, $31.25 million deal. Byfield is a 6-foot-5 center who plays well both ways and adds some size to the Canadiens’ roster. He also would add some much-needed secondary scoring as he recorded 23 goals and 31 assists for 54 points in 81 games last season.
In return, the Canadiens would give up a first-round pick and Reinbacher as the key parts of the deal. Reinbacher was selected fifth overall in 2023, and the star defenseman could push for NHL playing time this season.
Montreal would also trade Dach, who would replace Byfield in the Kings’ lineup. Dach is entering the final year of his four-year, $13.45 million deal. He has been plagued by injury, but the former third-overall pick is just 24. He recorded 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 57 games.
Byfield Would be an Aggressive Move for the Canadiens
Montreal has a clear need for a second-line center, especially with Dach’s health status up in the air.
If the Canadiens decide to go all-in this season, one of the biggest names they could get is Byfield.
Byfield would fit in perfectly with the Canadiens’ young core, but it does seem unlikely Los Angeles would move him. Byfield is a key part of the Kings’ roster, but perhaps a package surrounding a first-round pick and Reinbacher would entice Los Angeles.
It would be a hefty price to pay for Montreal, but Byfield would be a key part of the Canadiens’ roster for years to come. Meanwhile, the Habs would have a one-two punch of Nick Suzuki and Byfield at center, which would be one of the best in the NHL.
Canadiens GM Focused on Winning Cup
Montreal made the playoffs last season and is looking to build off that.
The Canadiens were the youngest team to make the playoffs and made aggressive moves this offseason. Montreal went out and added Noah Dobson, but the Habs may not be done as general manager Kent Hughes hinted at the team making more moves.
“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.”
Montreal opens its season Oct. 8 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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