Breaking News: Canadiens’ offseason rebuild land Bruins Pavel Zacha

The Montreal Canadiens made the playoffs and aim to build on that success during the offseason.

With most of their young core already secured on long-term contracts, Montreal’s focus will be on adding new players. NHL insider Arpon Basu from The Athletic suggests the Canadiens might pursue a trade for Pavel Zacha from the Boston Bruins, their main rivals.

Basu explains, “The Bruins’ future direction is uncertain, but with stars like Pastrňák and Charlie McAvoy in their prime, a complete rebuild isn’t likely. Instead, a partial retool seems more probable. If Zacha can bring back a decent draft pick and a prospect under contract for two more years, it would make sense for the Bruins to consider trading him—even if it means dealing with their hated rivals, the Canadiens.”

 

 

He adds, “While Zacha might not be the ideal top target for Montreal’s No. 2 center spot, he’s still a solid option. The Bruins already have Elias Lindholm signed long-term and could draft a future center with their No. 7 pick. The possibility of acquiring one of Montreal’s picks at Nos. 16 or 17 could be very appealing.”

Zacha, who has two years left on his four-year, \$19 million contract, can serve as a reliable second or third-line center. Last season, he posted 14 goals and 33 assists for 47 points in 82 games with Boston.

Montreal holds two first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, which could be used to acquire Zacha or to trade for prospects they have in abundance. Either way, the Canadiens clearly need to add another center, and Zacha appears to be a logical fit.

Canadiens Front Office Believes They Still Need to Improve

Montreal was the youngest team to make the playoffs, and the Canadiens aim to build on that foundation during the upcoming offseason.

They may be active in the trade market to bring more NHL talent onto their roster. Jeff Gorton, Montreal’s Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, emphasized that there is still significant work ahead for the team.

“There were many positives from what the players accomplished this season, but we’re definitely not finished,” Gorton said. “There’s still a lot to accomplish.”

A major question for the Canadiens is whether to give their young prospects roster spots or to bring in more experienced veterans.

“That’s likely the key challenge — figuring out how to assemble the team,” Gorton explained. “We have some players who seem ready to step up — what opportunities will we give them? Can we wait until training camp for them to compete for a spot?

“We know the team could end up younger, but it’s important to balance youth with experience. That will be Kent’s task this summer, and I’m eager to see his solutions,” Gorton added.

Montreal is expected to have just over $8.6 million in salary cap space.

Canadiens Expected to Address Center Need in Offseason

Montreal was in need of a center throughout the entire season, but they didn’t make any moves to acquire one before the trade deadline.

 

 

After the deadline passed, NHL insider Marco D’Amico from RG.com spoke with a scout who strongly believes the Canadiens will trade for a center during the offseason.

“I’d be surprised if the Canadiens don’t bring in an age-appropriate center this summer, especially with a young talent like Ivan Demidov joining Montreal next season,” the scout said. “From what I’m hearing, the Canadiens see that as the key piece missing to reach the playoffs. It’s much easier to secure a top-six center on a contract in the offseason than in February or March, especially when you mostly have future assets to offer.”

Montreal has plenty of resources to make a deal happen as they aim to be serious Stanley Cup contenders next season.