5 centers Canadians should target this summer – Hockey Writers –

The search for a true second-line center has followed the Montreal Canadiens for years, and despite the club’s playoff run, it remains one of the organization’s biggest long-term needs. While the likes of Jake Evans and Phillip Danault have done a great job filling key roles, and Michael Hage continues to develop into a potential top-six center, Kent Hughes could still test the market this summer.

Dylan Larkin

Let’s start with the biggest name of all. In fact, Dylan Larkin ending up in Montreal seems unlikely. Reports suggest that the captain of the Detroit Red Wings has already provided management with a short list of preferred destinations should a trade become necessary, and the Canadiens are reportedly not among those teams.

That being said, if Larkin can somehow be found, Montreal would be foolish not to ask. The 29-year-old has recorded five consecutive 30-goal seasons and remains one of the most dangerous skaters on the ice. His speed would match up well with players like Ivan Demidov, and his leadership would strengthen Montreal’s core.

Nico Hischier

Personally, I’m in the camp that doesn’t believe the New Jersey Devils will trade Nico Hischier. He is their captain, one of the top centers in the league, and a player every team would love to have. Players like Hischier are rare.

Still, whenever a player of that caliber is mentioned in the rumors, every competitor should pay attention. Hischier remains productive offensively while taking on tough defensive assignments. He wins faceoffs, kills penalties, plays in every situation and has shown that he can play in the playoffs.

If Montreal can somehow find a way to acquire him, it will immediately solve their second-line center problem while significantly improving the team’s defensive structure down the middle. The chances may be small, but the impact can be huge.

Robert Thomas

Among the high-profile targets, Robert Thomas may be the most interesting. St. Louis Blues have reportedly explored various options involving key players in the past, and Thomas’ name has come up in speculation before. Whether those talks continue remains to be seen, but if they are, Montreal should be among the first teams to call.

Thomas is one of the toughest players in the NHL. His vision, passing ability and puck control will make him an ideal partner for Demidov, giving the young Russian a center capable of creating offense at a high level. Unlike other targets, Thomas is also entering his prime and fits the Canadiens’ age curve well. He may remain a central part of the next decade. Getting him can be expensive, but top centers rarely come cheap.

Mason McTavish

If Hughes wants to take a different approach, Mason McTavish could be an interesting option. The 2021 overall pick has shown flashes of becoming a high-quality NHL center, but his situation with the Anaheim Ducks has created some questions. After finding themselves scraping through the playoffs for the Ducks, it’s fair to wonder if both sides are still fully committed to a long-term future together.

McTavish brings a style that Canadiens fans can immediately appreciate. While he may never be a point-per-game player, he has the potential to develop into a reliable top-six center who can contribute offensively while making life miserable for opposing defenses.

Most importantly, he can cost much less than players like Larkin, Hischier or Thomas. For a team that still believes in Hage’s future, McTavish could represent a mid-range solution.

Free Agent Route

Of course, Hughes may decide not to make a big trade at all. The Canadiens could choose to be patient, continue to rely on Danault and Evans, and wait for Hage to complete his development before making a big commitment at center.

If that’s the case, a short-term free agent addition might make sense. Boone Jenner will bring leadership, physicality and faceoff skills. Erik Haula is still a versatile veteran who can play center and wing. Jack Roslovic offers more height and offensive speed than other options.

That said, neither of these players solves Montreal’s long-term second-line center problem. In fact, if the Canadiens decide to go the deep route, it wouldn’t be surprising if Joe Veleno returns before any of those names arrive in Montreal. Veleno already knows the organization, will come at the right cost, and can continue to serve as valuable depth while the Canadiens wait for their next generation of centers to arrive.

The truth is simple: Montreal’s dream targets can be hard to come by, but Hughes has shown time and time again that he’s willing to persevere. Whether the solution comes with a blockbuster trade, a small move or finally with Hage, the Canadiens’ search for a center will always be one of the biggest stories of the offseason.