Overview
- Pierre LeBrun reports Montreal is actively working the phones to add an NHL-ready forward, expanding the search beyond a pure No. 2 center to include wingers.
- League parity has created a seller's market with few motivated teams, and insiders say high asking prices mean no deal appears imminent.
- Recent reporting links potential targets such as Nazem Kadri, Jordan Kyrou and Jonathan Marchessault, with Alexandre Texier also flagged by Elliotte Friedman as a possible fit.
- The urgency follows a skid to 0-4-1 in the last five and long-term injuries to Alex Newhook, Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine and Kaiden Guhle that have thinned the forward group.
- Facing defensive lapses and poor save percentage, the Canadiens are also weighing short-term fixes like waiver claims, minor depth trades and internal promotions while keeping larger options in view.