The 2025-26 NHL season is approaching and options are running thin for the Montreal Canadiens to bolster a key area. In hopes of addressing that, Patrik Laine and company might welcome a former teammate of Sidney Crosby on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Canadiens‘ urge for a centerman is evident. The Habs aren’t hiding it, either. While the push for Anaheim Ducks RFA Mason McTavish faces critical hours, Montreal knows better than to put all its eggs in one basket. Though interested in McTavish, the Canadiens drew the line at one promising talent.
Laine’s future is one that raises uncertainty in the City of Saints. The Habs’ winger is entering the final NHL season of the four-year, $34.8 million extension he signed back with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. Still, Montreal knows finding a talented center could do wonders for Laine’s production in such an important year.
On the radar
On that note, reports are now hinting the Canadiens have set their sights in a former player on Crosby‘s Penguins, now playing for the Seattle Kraken. None other than Jared McCann, who is entering the second-to-last season on his five-year deal.
Jared McCann #19 of the Seattle Kraken looks on during the second period against the New York Rangers at Climate Pledge Arena on November 17, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.
“According to Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News, the Montreal Canadiens reportedly have interest in Jared McCann of the Seattle Kraken,” The Sick Podcast stated. “The Canadiens have a clear hole at their 2nd center slot. McCann could serve as a temporary solution and would be an upgrade offensively on every centre in the organization, not named Nick Suzuki.”
see also
NHL News: Patrik Laine raises alarms in Montreal with blunt admission about contract season with Canadiens
Finding his mojo back
While McCann has played the center position before in the NHL, he hasn’t been deployed on the middle of the ice much since joining the Kraken. Picked up by Seattle in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, McCann had been utilized as a centerman by the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins.
As it stands, Kirby Dach is slated to occupy the 2C spot. However, the former third overall pick in 2019 is dealing with an injury that could force him to miss training camp. Adding another centerman is therefore a top priority for the Habs this summer.
SurveyWhich of the following would best fit into the Habs' 2C job?
Which of the following would best fit into the Habs' 2C job?
already voted 0 people
The Ducks have seemingly shut the door on Montreal regarding McTavish, making McCann perhaps the best available option. Another candidate could be UFA Jack Roslovic, but the market is crowded around him, and the Habs lack the cap flexibility to make a deal work.
