Canadiens rumors: Insider reveals perfect trade target for Montreal

The Montreal Canadiens took another significant step forward in 2025-26, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in five years and further cementing their status as one of the NHL’s most promising young teams.

With the organization entering another critical offseason, general manager Kent Hughes is expected to explore every avenue available to improve the roster as Montreal inches closer to legitimate Stanley Cup contention.

One player who continues to generate intrigue around the league is New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier.

The 27-year-old center is entering the final season of his contract, and although the Devils have already opened discussions on an extension, no agreement appears imminent.

As The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported earlier this week, Hischier would be the Canadiens’ ideal trade target if circumstances were ever to make him available.

“Montreal will keep an eye on how the Larkin situation plays out, but to me, Hischier is the best fit for the Canadiens,” LeBrun wrote on Friday. “And there’s no doubt the Habs are keeping super close tabs on that, too.”

LeBrun believes Hischier’s skill set would mesh seamlessly with Montreal’s current core.

“Hischier is a left-handed Nick Suzuki. The fit is beyond perfect for Montreal if Hischier were ever actually available. I think the Canadiens would be willing to pay a real price and not mess around in that trade scenario.”

It’s difficult to argue with that assessment. Adding Hischier to a group already led by Suzuki would immediately give the Canadiens one of the strongest center combinations in the league while providing even more support for the organization’s talented young forwards.

That being said, LeBrun also noted that the most likely outcome remains Hischier staying with the Devils long term.

“I still think the most likely scenario is that Hischier stays put and signs an extension with the Devils,” LeBrun wrote. “He’s a super loyal guy. He’s proud to be their captain.”

For now, the Canadiens can only watch how negotiations unfold. But if talks between Hischier and New Jersey were ever to stall, Montreal would almost certainly emerge as one of the most aggressive suitors.

Players with Hischier’s blend of age, leadership and two-way excellence rarely become available, making him exactly the type of acquisition that could help elevate Montreal from an emerging contender into a legitimate Stanley Cup threat.

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