{"id":106277,"date":"2026-06-27T14:59:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-27T14:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/106277\/"},"modified":"2026-06-27T14:59:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T14:59:49","slug":"3-bounce-back-trade-targets-the-canadiens-should-consider-the-hockey-writers-montreal-canadiens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/106277\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Bounce-Back Trade Targets the Canadiens Should Consider – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens"},"content":{"rendered":"

One thing Kent Hughes has shown during his tenure as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens is that he isn\u2019t afraid to bet on talent. The acquisition of Kirby Dach in 2022<\/a> was the perfect example. Dach had struggled with health and consistency with the Chicago Blackhawks, but Montreal saw the upside of a former top-three pick and was willing to take a chance.<\/p>\n

Not every project works out exactly as planned, especially with injuries playing a major role in Dach\u2019s development, but the philosophy remains sound. Sometimes the best way to improve a young team is by acquiring players whose value has dropped rather than paying a premium for established stars. With the trade market becoming increasingly expensive, here are three young players who could benefit from a change of scenery and who could fit nicely with the Canadiens.<\/p>\n

Connor Zary\u00a0<\/p>\n

Connor Zary<\/a> is exactly the type of player Montreal should be keeping an eye on this summer. The 24th-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft enjoyed a promising rookie campaign, recording 34 points in 63 games while showing flashes of being a legitimate top-six forward. However, he hasn\u2019t been able to build on that production since, causing his value to dip.<\/p>\n

Despite the disappointing results, Zary is still just 24 years old and has plenty of upside. He plays with pace, has good offensive instincts and can contribute on the power play. Those are qualities Martin St. Louis values in his lineup.<\/p>\n

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the Calgary Flames are reportedly listening to offers<\/a>. If the Flames are willing to move him, Hughes should at least explore the possibility. Zary also carries a manageable contract with two years remaining at a $3.775 million cap hit. That\u2019s the type of deal Montreal can comfortably absorb without compromising future flexibility.<\/p>\n

Shane Wright\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s impossible to mention Shane Wright without thinking back to the 2022 NHL Entry Draft<\/a>. Montreal shocked many observers by selecting Juraj Slafkovsky first overall, allowing Wright to slide all the way to the Seattle Kraken. Since then, his development has been steady rather than spectacular, but there\u2019s still plenty to like about his game.<\/p>\n

The Canadiens continue to search for a long-term solution at second-line centre, and Wright could represent an interesting opportunity. He isn\u2019t an elite offensive producer yet, but he quietly put together a respectable 44-point season in 2024-25 while continuing to develop into a reliable two-way centre. At just 22 years old, there\u2019s still significant room for growth as he gains experience.<\/p>\n

\"ShaneSeattle Kraken forward Shane\u00a0Wright celebrates a goal with goalie Joey\u00a0Daccord (Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Wright\u2019s hockey IQ has never been questioned. He plays a mature game, wins battles, can handle defensive responsibilities and has enough offensive skill to complement talented wingers. The acquisition cost likely wouldn\u2019t be cheap, and Seattle may not even want to move him. However, if the Kraken are open to discussions, Hughes should absolutely make the call. Finding a young centre with legitimate top-six potential is incredibly difficult. Wright still possesses that upside and would fit Montreal\u2019s long-term timeline perfectly.<\/p>\n

Kent Johnson\u00a0<\/p>\n

Of the three names on this list, Kent Johnson<\/a> may have the highest offensive ceiling. After breaking out with a 57 point season in 2024-25, Johnson took a significant step backward this past year, finishing with just 22 points. That kind of regression naturally raises questions, but it could also create an opportunity for another team.<\/p>\n

Johnson remains one of the most gifted puck handlers and creative playmakers in his age group. Whether playing at centre or on the wing, he has the ability to create offense that very few players can replicate. With one year remaining on a very affordable $1.8 million contract, he represents a relatively low-risk gamble for a team looking to unlock his full potential.<\/p>\n

The thought of pairing Johnson with Ivan Demidov is enough to excite Canadiens fans. Both players thrive with the puck on their sticks, possess elite vision and aren\u2019t afraid to attempt high-skill plays. Their creativity together could make Montreal one of the NHL\u2019s most entertaining teams offensively.<\/p>\n

Of course, Columbus would need to be willing to move him, and that remains the biggest obstacle. Still, if his disappointing season has made the Columbus Blue Jackets reconsider his role, Hughes should be among the first general managers to inquire.<\/p>\n

The Canadiens aren\u2019t quite in a Stanley Cup-or-bust window, which makes this the perfect time to pursue upside. Rather than paying massive prices for established stars, Montreal could continue betting on talented young players who simply need a fresh start.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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