Acquisition of a 2nd line center in Montreal: an Iginla-style transaction for the Canadiens?

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Jim Sullivan
November 10, 2024 (2:24 PM)

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The Montreal Canadiens are having a very disappointing season and although Kirby Dach didn't play last year, that's no longer an excuse after 15 games.

Indeed, the Canadiens have only four small wins this season, including two in a row.

That's very little for a team that claimed to be in the mix this year. It's also very worrisome for several reasons.

The players are nonchalant, even the rookies. It's widespread right now, aside from Brendan Gallagher and Lane Hutson.

As for the center line, it's clearly the worst in the NHL, when we thought it would be interesting.

Kirby Dach isn't doing the job and according to expert Craig Button, it takes a trade to bring an established veteran to this position. A trade like the one for young Jarome Iginla for Joe Nieuwendyk back in the day.

Kent Hughes would therefore have to sacrifice a young player to acquire a veteran at center, if that is still possible.

Button even goes so far as to say that the Canadiens will not move forward until this need is filled.

Knowing Kent Hughes, I would be very surprised, but at the same time, he must improvise a little, because his plan clearly did not work at center.

I have not given up on Kirby Dach, but the word is starting to circulate that he may be more of a 3rd line player because of injuries.

Personally, I would agree with trading a young player for a star. The problem is that the only one who stands out in this category is Ivan Demidov, and it would take an elite player to make him leave Montreal.

So I unfortunately believe that it is a question of timing for the moment and Kent Hughes will favor patience. After all, a rebuild is long and it could last years before the Canadiens have success.