“[The Lightning] are a team that we’ve definitely been trying to get to,” Caufield said in a powerful statement after the game, via NHL.com. “We’ve been building. It’s obviously a good feeling, but we’re still hungry for more.”

Following the 4-1 victory at Benchmark International Arena, the Canadiens are still third in the Atlantic Division, but have cut down Tampa Bay‘s lead over them to just two points. Though still pressured by the Boston Bruins (currently WC1) with 94 points, the Habs’ 96 points put them in great position to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Wins like Tuesday night’s over the Bolts show the rest of the league that Montreal is for real, and a menace come playoff time in the NHL. This could be the year the Canadiens snap Canada’s Cup drought, and hoist their first Stanley Cup since 1993.

Caufield’s numbers

Cole Caufield has earned the nickname “Mr. Saturday Night” thanks to his perfect blend of consistency and, as kids these days call it, aura during the 2025–26 NHL season. As it stands, Caufield has scored 20 goals in 21 Saturday night outings this campaign, as reported by Montreal Gazette.

However, Caufield could very well be called “Mr. Tuesday Night” or any other day, for that matter. He’s been that good all season long—every day of the week. Thus, it’s not surprising he is second in the league in goals with 47, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon’s 49.

Caufield leads Montreal’s Cup dream

Caufield is putting on a show night in and night out for the Canadiens. With him in such form, fans in Quebec’s metropolis can let their dreams run wild and free. The sky is the limit in the City of Saints, and the Habs aren’t afraid to aim for the stars and shoot for the moon.

Alex DeBrincat shined for Detroit, scoring the go-ahead goal late in the third period and adding two assists. J.T. Compher and Andrew Copp also scored to keep the Red Wings tied with Montreal in points for third place in the Atlantic Division and level with the Boston Bruins for the Eastern Conference wild-card spots.

This was DeBrincat’s second straight three-point game, and his line with Compher and Patrick Kane has become Detroit’s primary scoring force since Dylan Larkin’s lower-body injury on March 6. Copp returned after missing three games and added an empty-net goal to seal the win.

DeBrincat leads Red Wings’ scoring line

DeBrincat’s five-game point streak, with nine points (one goal, eight assists), highlights his importance to Detroit’s playoff push. “(Compher) has been great since (Larkin) and (Copp) went out. He was filling in on Larkin’s line and now he’s playing with us and he’s been really good. Now we’ve got (Copp) back as well,” DeBrincat said.

Red Wings stay in playoff contention

The win keeps Detroit in a strong position for the postseason, tied in points with Montreal and the Bruins for the Eastern Conference wild-card spots. John Gibson’s 32 saves and the top line’s consistency reflect the competitive identity Todd McLellan expects from his team, showing Detroit can contend even without Larkin in the lineup.

“I found late in the third period we didn’t manage risk properly,” St. Louis admitted after the 4-3 loss, via NHL.com. “I felt we were too aggressive and lacked a bit of execution. We gave up good chances late in the game that we didn’t have to give them.”

Montreal conceded the game-deciding goal to Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier—his 34th on the NHL season—with 2:30 minutes left in the third period. Such a blow was one too harsh for the Habs to recover from, and they have now lost back-to-back games at home.

Canadiens having trouble in homestand

Riding a three-game win streak, the Canadiens returned home to take on the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, and Boston Bruins at Bell Centre. So far, the homestand is off to a terrible start.

The Habs have dropped back-to-back games, and must now hold off the historic rival Bruins in a decisive game with playoff implications. If the Canadiens are serious about making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they can’t afford to go winless in three consecutive home games.

Playoff picture

Montreal currently sits in third place in the Atlantic Division. However, the Bruins and Detroit Red Wings—first and second wild cards, respectively—are both sitting just two points behind. Boston must make a quick stop in New Jersey before its visit to “The City of Saints”.

Thus, the Bruins and Habs might face-off in a game directly for the third place in the division. Meanwhile, the Red Wings will host the Calgary Flames, looking to end their three-game losing hex.

The race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is on. The Eastern Conference has turned into a bloodbath, and one misstep may be the difference between playing meaningful hockey in late April or enjoying an extra-long offseason. The Habs know the buzz in town would make the latter anything but an enjoyable period.

Despite the noise around the league, Bobrovsky ultimately was not moved, a sign that the Panthers intend to keep him for the near future as they continue pushing to remain among the top contenders in the Stanley Cup race. Now, attention has shifted from trade speculation to the possibility of a new contract.

According to a report from David Pagnotta, discussions between the Florida Panthers and Bobrovsky are expected to continue as both sides evaluate what a potential extension could look like. “Contract talks with Sergei Bobrovsky will also continue. He first asked for a long-term extension and I think the Panthers prefer a two or three-year deal.”

Will Sergei Bobrovsky leave the Florida Panthers?

No. Sergei Bobrovsky will not leave the Florida Panthers. Despite the rumors, the team’s front office decided to keep him, closing the door to any contender interested in a trade not only this season but also heading into the next one.

Sergei Bobrovsky and a contract extension with Panthers

The interesting part of the negotiations will undoubtedly be the length of the new contract. Bobrovsky is 37 years old and, despite his great talent, the Panthers do not seem willing to go for anything longer than two years.

NHL insider Kevin Weekes added fuel to the speculation when discussing Edmonton’s involvement to negotiate with the Florida Panthers and the player. “I’m told the Oilers and Bobrovsky’s camp have had some conversations.”

For Edmonton, exploring the market makes sense given their ongoing search for stability in net. Adding a veteran goaltender with Bobrovsky’s résumé would give the Oilers another experienced option and potentially strengthen their roster as they look to remain competitive in a difficult Western Conference. Connor McDavid needs help.

Oilers could comlplicate Canadiens trade for Sergei Bobrovsky

The Montreal Canadiens have been widely viewed as one of the more logical landing spots if Bobrovsky becomes available. However, the Oilers entering the picture could significantly complicate that scenario.

If the Oilers decide to pursue Bobrovsky more aggressively, they could create a bidding situation that raises the cost for any interested team, including Montreal. At the moment, it’s expected a high price set by the Florida Panthers.

With the trade market still developing, the situation remains fluid. What is clear, though, is that the Oilers and Canadiens may now find themselves competing for the same goalie if Bobrovsky ultimately becomes available. There’s not a lot of time left.

The Habs have been involved in no shortage of wild rumors as the trade deadline approaches. While the Canadiens could help the New York Rangers avoid trading Vincent Trocheck to a fierce rival, they have an agenda of their own. Rivalries in the NHL are unparalleled, and nothing may send a message quite like trading for a player your biggest rival let go years ago.

Fans can already guess where Montreal’s crosshairs are headed. The Calgary Flames have been wondering what to do with Nazem Kadri all season long, just as the Habs have wondered about Laine. Thus, a move involving both may be just what the doctor ordered. Perhaps the answer was in front of them all along.

“The Canadiens have circled back with the Flames recently on Nazem Kadri. Talks continue. Some chatter Patrik Laine could be in play here if this gets to the finish line,” as reported by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

What adding Kadri would mean for Montreal

Montreal already boasts a star-studded lineup. The biggest concern for the Habs currently lies in goaltending, which is why they are reportedly testing the waters around top goalies across the league.

However, if the Canadiens add Kadri to the mix, they could become the apex predator in the East. If the former seventh overall pick by the Maple Leafs ends up winning a Cup with the Habs while the Buds miss the playoffs entirely, it could be too much for Toronto to take.

Kadri’s contract

The Flames are in no hurry to move Kadri, though. The same can’t be said about the Habs and Laine, who has played just 5 games this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Kadri, on the other hand, is under contract through the 2028–29 NHL season. However, Kadri is 35 years old, and his goals don’t exactly see eye to eye with those of Calgary, which is only just beginning its rebuild. Moreover, Kadri’s $7 million cap hit is a burden the Flames might be better off without.

Both sides could look favorably upon a trade—obviously, for the right price. Laine by himself may not be enough, but the Habs definitely have a few aces up their sleeve to tilt the scales and convince their Canadian counterparts all the way in Alberta.

NHL insider Chris Johnston shared an intriguing update about the uncertainty surrounding Bobrovsky’s future. “Sergei Bobrovsky: Some people I really trust out there believe this guy is being traded; but, I can’t figure out where he’s going.”

The speculation comes at a crucial time in the season, with Stanley Cup contenders evaluating their options before the deadline. A move involving Bobrovsky would instantly reshape the goalie market and could have ripple effects across several teams hoping to make a push toward the playoffs.

Sergie Bobrovsky trade talk grows ahead of NHL deadline

Another notable perspective came from NHL insider Darren Dreger, who compared Sergei Bobrovsky’s situation with that of another frequently mentioned goalie on the trade market. “I think there’s a better chance Sergei Bobrovsky gets moved than Jordan Binnington, but, I got a note that puts the odds of Binnington traded to 50/50.”

That update suggests that teams searching for help in net could still have multiple options available before the deadline. While Binnington has also been connected to trade rumors, Dreger’s comment implies that Bobrovsky might actually be the more likely goalie to move in the current market.

With teams evaluating their rosters and looking for stability in goal, the situation remains fluid. If the Panthers ultimately decide to consider offers, Bobrovsky could become one of the most impactful names to watch as teams attempt to strengthen their chances for a deep playoff run.

According to a report from Elliotte Friedman, the Wild are pausing their efforts for Trocheck. “The Wild, for the time being at least, who have largely been seen as the favorite to get Vincent Trocheck, they’ve stepped back in these talks.”

The Canadiens have already checked in with the Rangers about a potential trade. While a deal is far from guaranteed, the latest developments regarding the Wild create a window of hope for Montreal to secure a player capable of bolstering their Stanley Cup aspirations.

Vincent Trocheck’s trade suitors

Vincent Trocheck continues to attract significant interest as the NHL trade deadline approaches, with multiple teams looming as potential suitors to land the veteran.

The Minnesota Wild were the most aggressive with a formal offer to the Rangers, though it was reportedly not accepted due to New York’s high asking price. Other teams linked to Trocheck include the Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes and the Detroit Red Wings.

The NHL trade deadline is set for this Friday at 3 p.m. ET. So, the pressure on the New York Rangers to make a move on Vincent Trocheck could increase. General manager Chris Drury is struggling to find the desired compensation.

With Montreal competing for a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, acquiring an experienced player could be crucial for their postseason hopes. However, according to a report from Pierre LeBrun, that’s not their ideal scenario. “It’s not out of the question that they trade for a goalie, I just think it’s something they’ve really wanted to avoid all year.”

Despite the speculation, the Canadiens may ultimately refrain from making a move if the right deal does not present itself. The trade with the Florida Panthers for Bobrovsky seems really complicated and, for now, Binnington’s situation is uncertain with the Blues.

Canadiens trade for Sergei Bobrovsky is really difficult

Several teams around the league have reportedly shown interest in Sergei Bobrovsky ahead of the NHL trade deadline, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Carolina Hurricanes.

However, any potential move for Bobrovsky cannot begin without the first step coming from the Florida Panthers. They hold the leverage and ultimately control whether a trade is even possible.

The reality, though, is that a contract extension with the Panthers seems more likely than a trade. While other teams are interested, the Stanley Cup champions have been cautious to show if they intend to part ways with the veteran. For now, Bobrovsky’s future likely depends on Florida’s plans, making any deal for Montreal or other contenders a challenging proposition.

If Sergei Bobrovsky is not available, a report from Pierre LeBrun indicates that the Canadiens would have an alternative plan. “What I would say is that if, and I still think it’s a long shot, the Canadiens decided to trade for a goalie before Friday’s deadline, it likely wouldn’t be for a rental. In that scenario, Jordan Binnington would actually make more sense.”

At the moment, the Canadiens are in the race to secure a playoff spot as a wild card team in the Eastern Conference. For that reason, a goalie with experience would be key in their push for the Stanley Cup.

Will the Canadiens make a trade before NHL deadline?

The Canadiens have appeared in many trade rumors ahead of the NHL deadline. However, in the case of Sergei Bobrovsky, the situation is very complicated because the expected outcome is that the Florida Panthers will give him a contract extension and not let him go.

Canadiens could trade for Jordan Binnington

Therefore, in this scenario, Jordan Binnington could be a more likely landing spot for the Montreal Canadiens. An appropriate offer for the Blues could trigger a very interesting move heading into the playoffs.

Bobrovsky, though in the midst of a down year, has proven his value in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading the Panthers to three straight Cup finals and back-to-back Stanley Cups. Who knows? Maybe Bobrovsky can pull off what Carey Price couldn’t and help the Habs hoist their first Stanley Cup since their last triumph in 1993.

Recently and before the NHL trade deadline, the Canadiens got an encouraging signal as the Panthers signed goalie Louis Domingue. The move could’ve implied Florida is testing the waters around Bobrovsky. Since, another update on where the market stands on “Bob” has been made public.

According to Elliotte Friedman, Bobrovsky may be leaving the Panthers soon. “I don’t think it’s impossible between now and 3 PM ET Friday that we get a Bobrovsky move,” the insider said on NHL Network.

Bobrovsky’s suitors

A goaltender with Bobrovsky’s pedigree isn’t made available every day in the NHL. Thus, as the Panthers acknowledge their shot at a three-peat has slipped away, many teams are knocking on the door to ask about the goaltender, whose contract will expire in July.

“My sense is that Vegas and Carolina make the most sense if Sergei Bobrovsky moves,” insider Pierre LeBrun wrote on The Athletic. Similarly to Montreal, Vegas and Carolina face some question marks in net.

Adin Hill has led the Knights to a Cup, but has production has since dipped, and Carter Hart has yet to establish himself in Sin City. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have an absolute stud in Brandon Bussi, who’s won 9 straight games, but the 27-year-old rookie is still wet behind the ears when it comes to the postseason. Thus, having a backup plan in Bobrovsky can’t possibly hurt them.

Bobrovsky’s contract and recent form

Moreover, even though “Bob” is signed to a $10 million contract, the popular belief around the NHL is that the Cats will absorb part of the cap hit. Two-time Stanley Cup champions and Vezina Trophy winners aren’t available for trade often.

Even if Bobrovsky has been playing his worst hockey recently—with an .873 save percentage and a 3.13 GAA this season—everyone knows how he can step up in the playoffs. The past three Stanley Cup Final runs with the Panthers, including back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, should serve as a reminder for every team circling him.