Montreal Canadiens’ Second-Line Center Hunt Could Stretch Into 2026 Free Agency…see more…

As the 2025 NHL offseason marches forward, the Montreal Canadiens continue to search for a key piece to complete their top-six forward group: a true second-line center. Despite a talented young core and promising depth, the Canadiens have yet to fill this critical role, and according to league insiders, that void might remain unfilled until the 2026 free-agency period.

A Lingering Need in Montreal’s Lineup

The Canadiens’ need for a second-line center isn’t new. Since the departure of Phillip Danault in 2021 and the stalled development of several young centers, the Habs have rotated a cast of hopefuls into the role—Kirby Dach, Christian Dvorak, and more recently, Alex Newhook. While each brought different skillsets, none have consistently provided the kind of production and two-way stability necessary to anchor the second line behind captain Nick Suzuki.

Montreal’s current roster construction has made it challenging to address this position through internal options alone. Although Dach showed flashes before a season-ending injury in 2023–24, questions remain about his ability to stay healthy and whether his ceiling fits a true 2C mold.

With a rebuild mostly complete and fans expecting playoff contention in the near future, pressure is mounting on general manager Kent Hughes and executive vice president Jeff Gorton to act. However, sources close to the organization suggest that patience may be the most strategic play.

Why 2026 Could Be the Target

According to a report by The Hockey News, the Canadiens’ front office may be eyeing the 2026 free-agent class as the right moment to make their move. The logic behind the delay? Timing and cap flexibility.

By 2026, the Canadiens will likely have cleared contracts like Joel Armia’s ($3.4M) and possibly even Brendan Gallagher’s ($6.5M), depending on trade options or buyouts. That opens significant salary cap space—especially critical for a team eyeing a high-quality second-line center, a role that commands upward of $6–$8 million annually in today’s NHL market.

The 2026 UFA class also promises to be stronger than recent years. Names potentially available include Mathew Barzal (if the Islanders falter), Trevor Zegras (if talks with Anaheim remain strained), and even Elias Lindholm, who continues to negotiate long-term terms. While it’s no guarantee these players will hit the open market, the depth and caliber projected make 2026 an appealing horizon for Hughes and company.

Trade Market Not Yielding Fruit—Yet

Many fans and analysts expected Montreal to make a splash this offseason via trade. Names like Tampa Bay’s Anthony Cirelli and Boston’s Pavel Zacha were floated as ideal candidates to fill the role, offering defensive responsibility and offensive upside. But the price for a top-six center in a league starving for pivots is steep—often requiring first-round picks, top prospects, or both.

The Canadiens, flush with young talent like Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher, and Owen Beck, are hesitant to part with future cornerstones unless the return is elite and long-term. According to Sportsnet analyst Eric Engels, the organization is willing to wait for the right fit rather than rush a deal that could prove costly.

This conservative approach is partly fueled by the team’s development curve. With Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovský, and Kaiden Guhle still under 25, there is room to grow. Management may believe the 2025–26 season will still be part of that upward trajectory, rather than the final push.

Kirby Dach: Still in the Picture

It’s worth noting that Kirby Dach isn’t out of the conversation. Despite his injury setbacks, when healthy, he has shown flashes of becoming that coveted second-line playmaker. His size (6’4”), reach, and improving faceoff numbers make him a natural fit, and the Canadiens still believe in his upside.

However, banking on Dach alone without backup or internal competition could be risky. Expect Montreal to add depth via lower-profile signings or perhaps a one-year stopgap veteran to alleviate some pressure.

Fan Reaction: Patience or Panic?

Canadiens fans, passionate and well-informed, are divided on the strategy. Some applaud the front office’s methodical rebuild and focus on long-term sustainability, especially after the failed quick-fix years post-2010. Others argue that wasting prime years of Suzuki and Caufield without proper support down the middle could lead to stagnation.

“The window is opening, not closing,” said one fan on a popular Canadiens subreddit. “We need to make the right move—not the fastest move.”

Yet others fear that too much patience could allow other Atlantic Division rivals like Detroit or Buffalo to leapfrog Montreal in the standings.

Final Thoughts: Waiting for the Right Moment

The Canadiens’ front office appears committed to measured, strategic roster building rather than headline-grabbing trades or rushed signings. While fans may need to wait until the 2026 free-agency window to see a definitive solution at second-line center, the long-term vision remains clear: build a contender with staying power, not just a playoff cameo.

Until then, expect continued development of internal options, opportunistic trade conversations, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. But unless the right center becomes available at the right price, 2026 may mark the true beginning of the next era in Montreal’s climb back to the top.