4 Players the Montreal Canadiens Could Target This Summer

In case you somehow didn't know, my favorite team in the NHL is the Montreal Canadiens. And after a long few years, this past season showed all the losing may have been worth the pain, as the Habs came out of nowhere this year to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The team is clearly building something exciting with a young core led by captain Nick Suzuki, sniper Cole Caufield, Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Lane Huston, former number one pick Juraj Slafkovsky, and Russian phenom Ivan Demidov.

The future is clearly bright in the Belle Province, and this offseason will be key as the Canadiens look to take the next step. After being the fun, young team that was playing with no expectations, the Canadiens organization is now thinking about how they can improve on last year's success as General Manager Kent Hughes looks to build a contender.

Here are some players I’d like to see the Habs pursue this summer. No particular order—just names I believe could help push this team forward.

Rasmus Andersson (D – Calgary Flames)

According to multiple reports, the Flames seem open to dealing Andersson, who has just one year left on his deal. Well, the Habs just so happen to hold Calgary’s first-round pick (16th overall) in this year's draft. Giving Calgary their pick back could be a nice starting point in a negotiation with the Flames for Andersson. It was clear throughout the end of the season that the Habs desperately need to add quality players to their blue line, and Andersson would bring stability and a proven top-four presence to the d-core, which is something the Canadiens desperately need. Bringing in Andersson would also allow the Habs to buy time for a prospect like David Reinbacher, who did not play much hockey this past season due to a serious knee injury. If Calgary is serious about moving him, Kent Hughes should for sure give Craig Conroy a call.

William Karlsson (C – Vegas Golden Knights)

The Golden Knights are reportedly getting ready to make a strong run at Mitch Marner in free agency next week, and for that partnership to even be considered realistic, they’ll need to clear cap space very quickly. If Vegas gets word that Marner would be interested in joining their team, William Karlsson could be the odd man out, as one of the original Golden Knights currently has a cap hit of $5.9 million for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. Karlsson may not be as good as he once was due to nagging injuries, but he’s a reliable two-way center who would be a great 2C to play with Ivan Demidov as he enters his rookie season. If Vegas desperately needs the cap space, this could be a great opportunity for Kent Hughes to buy low on the second-line center the team needs.

Nick Perbix (D – UFA, Tampa Bay Lightning)

Let’s step away from trade targets and move into free agency. The right side of the blue line needs help, and Perbix could be a smart, under-the-radar add. In 74 games this past season with Tampa Bay, Perbix played about 15 minutes a night and finished as a +8. With him only being 26 years old, he could still grow in a slightly expanded role. Could a 2-year, 6-ish million dollar deal get it done?

John Tavares (C – UFA, Toronto Maple Leafs)

This is the one I am still on the fence about, but rumor has it Tavares and the Leafs are not close in contract talks. If Toronto and Tavares decide it's best for each side to move on, I do expect Montreal to pursue the 34-year-old. I wouldn't offer Tavares the sun and the moon, but I think a three-year deal at around $7M per year could be great for each side if Tavares does still want to stay relatively close to home.

Tavares could be an ideal 2C to play on a line with Demidov and would provide a veteran presence who could add leadership and command respect in the room. Yes, it could be risky, but it definitely is intriguing.