3 players the Canadiens should target this offseason to boost their roster – Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens had a season to be proud of in 2025-26. A trip to the Eastern Conference Final showed that the team is not rebuilding, it is competing. But a 4-1 series loss to the Carolina Hurricanes also made it clear that the roster has holes, and general manager Kent Hughes knows it.

The morning after the termination, Hughes confirmed that he had already been making calls, revealing which players could be available this summer. The urgency is real. Such is the challenge: Montreal carries just under $13 million in cap space for 2026-27, currently the fourth-lowest in the league, but with 20 of the NHL’s 23 rosters filled. Still, there are impactful steps to be taken. Here are three players Hughes should prioritize, whether through free agency, trade, or both.

Mason McTavish, C – Anaheim Ducks

Acquiring Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks will reshape Montreal’s forward line for the next half-decade. The 23-year-old center has been linked to Canada for more than a year, and the interest seems to be genuine.

The Canadiens are expected to go back to McTavish this summer, especially after he was healthy during the playoffs. AthleticChris Johnston ranked him fourth on his early trade board (from ‘NHL Offseason Trade Board: A Look Ahead at Top Summer Targets, From Trocheck to Knies to Robertson,’ AthleticMay 28, 2026), noting that Anaheim has big expectations after signing McTavish to a six-year, $42 million extension last September. Both his average ice time and offensive production decreased this season.

That’s not really a player dump; it may say more about the situation in Anaheim than about McTavish himself. The 2021 third-round pick has no trade protection in his contract, giving the Ducks full flexibility if management decides to explore options. A change of position, surrounded by players like Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov, could open up exactly what the Canadiens need behind their starting line.

The cost will be high. But as Hughes himself said, he’s not interested in a temporary fix. McTavish is the size of a window.

Matthew Knies, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies is the elephant in the room. Hughes reportedly arrived in time to shake hands with the Knees at the trade deadline. An agreement had already been reached between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Habs before the transaction was completed. Hughes has made it clear he wants to revisit those discussions this summer.

Knies’ case is straightforward. He has five years left on a six-year, $46.5 million contract, and new Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has reportedly told teams that Auston Matthews is the only untouchable player on the roster. That opens the door.

At 23, Knies is exactly the type of elite winger Montreal lacks. He’s 6-foot-3, plays on the edge, and has shown he can produce for a top-six spot. When paired alongside Demidov, the combination of size and skill will create similar nightmares for opposing coaches. His cap hit is manageable at $7.75 million, and his contract fits well in Montreal’s current context.

Also, the cost will be higher. But given that the two parties are very close to an agreement, both sides should understand the limits. If Hughes is willing to pull the trigger, Knies is the type of acquisition that could change Montreal’s roof.

Alex Tuch, LW/RW — Unrestricted Free Agent

Not every move has to be a blockbuster. Alex Tuch represents the most realistic way to develop a top six without depleting the prospect pool. Tuch finished the regular season with the Buffalo Sabres, recording 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games, making him an unrestricted free agent for the 2026 free agent team, which lacks star power.

His struggles in the playoffs with the Canadiens (zero points in seven games) may moderate his asking price. However, he has reportedly been holding on to around $84 million over eight years, roughly $10.5 million per season. That number is a stretch given Montreal’s situation, and the Canadiens’ need for a true second-line center remains at the top of the roster heading into next season, so Hughes may prefer to allocate cap dollars to a center rather than another player.

But if the price softens following his absence last season, Tuch’s combination of size (6-foot-4), two-way ability, and proven scoring make him a compelling option on a team that could use more sandpaper in its top six. Even on a short, friendly deal with the team, Tuch can play an important role. Equality exists; it just depends on the price.

The Bottom Line

Hughes built a real thing in Montreal. The infrastructure is in place, the young core is legitimate, and the coaching staff under Martin St. Louis has proven that it can develop players and win games. What is missing is that second pillar in the team going forward, a player who takes the pressure off Suzuki and opens up the frame in a way that the current system cannot.

Finding a legitimate second-line center who can play with Demidov and unlock his offensive potential remains a critical need heading into 2026-27. McTavish says exactly that. Knies and Tuch address depth and physical fitness. Hughes doesn’t need all three, but he should go after at least one of them. The calls have started. The question is whether they earn anywhere.