Overview
- The Canadiens remain actively aggressive in the offseason search for a top-six forward and have not completed a trade as of early July.
- Montreal’s stated priority is a second-line center but the market is limited and expensive, which has forced the front office to broaden its search.
- Reports say the Habs tried to acquire Kirill Marchenko but Columbus declined to move him, a development that helped trigger the shift in focus.
- Pittsburgh wingers Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell have been identified as fits with Rust earning about $5.12 million per year and Rakell carrying an eight-team no-trade clause and very high trade value.
- Sources indicate Montreal could include prospect Oliver Kapanen in trade talks while cap limits, no-trade clauses and contract costs will determine whether the club pursues a winger or holds out for a center.