The Montreal Canadiens have a clear need for a second-line center, and one trade idea has them solidifying the position in a blockbuster deal.
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Canadiens acquire Matty Beniers from the Seattle Kraken in a multi-player blockbuster.
Canadiens acquire:
Kraken acquire:
- Kirby Dach
- Filip Mesar
- 2026 first-round pick
The trade would be a blockbuster as Montreal would acquire a star centerman to fill the second-line center role, for a young NHL forward, a prospect, and a first-round pick.
Montreal would acquire Beniers, who would be a perfect second-line center for the Canadiens, as he fits in perfectly age-wise with the roster. The 22-year-old has six years left on his seven-year, $50 million deal. Beniers recorded 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points in 82 games last season.
In return, the Canadiens would give up a first-round pick and Dach, who would replace Beniers in the Kraken lineup. Dach was selected third overall in 2019, but he’s been plagued by injuries in his career. He’s entering the final year of a four-year, $13.45 million deal. The 24-year-old only skated in 57 games, recording 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points, but when healthy, he’s a good No. 2 or No. 3 center in the NHL.
The Kraken would also acquire Mesar, who was selected in the first round of 2022 but hasn’t been able to crack the roster. The 21-year-old has yet to make his NHL debut and struggled in the AHL, so a change of scenery could be needed as he would get playing time in Seattle.
Canadiens GM Wants to Improve at Center
Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has done a good job in adding talent to the roster this offseason.
Yet, one area of need is still a second-line center, and Hughes says it is something he wants to address, but is fine with their current centers.
“It was always via trade over free agency that we’d attempt to improve at center. We haven’t done it yet. We’re ready to start the season with what we have, but we’ll continue to work the phones,” Hughes said.
Currently, Montreal projects to have Nick Suzuki as their first-line center, with Dach and Alex Newhook as the second and third-line centers.
Although many Canadiens fans want Hughes to make another move, he isn’t sure he will be able to do everything this offseason.
“At the end of the day,” Hughes said. “The reality is we’re not going to put the perfect team together over the course of one summer. I think as we go about doing things, we recognize we have things we’d like to accomplish. I just don’t see us accomplishing it all at once.”
Montreal made bold moves to acquire Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc in trades this offseason.
Canadiens GM Has Confidence in Dach
Montreal acquired Dach in 2022 to be a big part of their future and young core.
However, Dach has struggled to stay healthy, but Hughes still has faith in the former third-overall pick.
“I’ve said it all along, we’re going to invest money in developing hockey players and trying to get the most out of their potential, and we believe Kirby has significant potential,” Hughes said. “We think with the Montreal Canadiens, in this environment, can bring him along and get him to a point where he can be a pretty special centreman.”
Dach has skated in 269 career games, recording 43 goals and 78 assists for 121 points.
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