It’s time for more NHL rumours with us here at Last Word On Hockey. On this edition, we explore some of the rumours surrounding the Montreal Canadiens. Two rumours have been circulating in the rumour mill in Quebec recently. It was reported recently that Montreal has been in talks with veteran defenceman Mike Matheson regarding a long-term extension. Furthermore, another rumour has emerged that the Canadiens are expected to be active on the trade market. Let’s unpack the details of a potential centre acquisition for the Montreal Canadiens.
Chris Johnston: Re Canadiens: The most pressing need certainly is for another centerman; Montreal’s been on that file for a while now, it was a market they were exploring over the summer; I do think at some point…you’ll see them make that kind of move – Insider Trading (10/14)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 14, 2025
NHL Rumours and the Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Chris Johnston reports that the Montreal Canadiens most pressing need is a centreman. Out on the open trade market, they continue to search for some help down the middle. More specifically, a second-line centreman. He says that this is something that the Canadiens have been looking at for a while and believes it will get done at some point down the stretch.
Analysis: It’s no secret that Montreal is still in desperate need of a second-line centreman. Despite the team’s blazing hot 4-1 start, Montreal still has a glaring hole down the middle.
Heading into the year, the hope was that Kirby Dach and Oliver Kapanen could mitigate these woes, at least in the short term. However, Dach has struggled and looks like a shell of the player he once was. Now, if his injury causing him to miss tonight’s action turned into something more significant, a move could come sooner, rather than later. Patrik Laine is also out of action tonight. This is allowing Owen Beck and Joe Veleno to make their season debuts tonight for Montreal against the unpredictable New York Rangers.
Lot’s Happening for the Montreal Canadiens Right Now
Moreover, Kapanen has been solid for the most part and has chipped in on the scoresheet with three goals in five games. However, he doesn’t provide the consistent offence that would warrant him being a second-line pivot on a competitive team at this stage. Kapanen projects more as a third-line centre, while Dach may not be on the team past this season.
What This Means Big Picture in Montreal
For Montreal, it’s clear that their offseason additions have paid off. The team looks miles better than they did at this stage last year. They find themselves at the top of the Atlantic Division early on and project as a playoff team. However, if Montreal is going to be a true competitive threat in the playoffs, it will need a legitimate centreman to play on the second line. For now, having Dach and Kapanen is working, and it’s not hurting the team. This gives recently extended general manager Kent Hughes time to weigh out his options on the trade market. Montreal certainly has the assets in the pipeline, as well as the draft capital, to get a deal done. The question is when? At the very latest, expect the Canadiens to acquire a centerman by the time the NHL Trade Deadline passes.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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