Insider thinks Canadiens could be aggressive in free agency this summer
The Montreal Canadiens have already set their rebuild in motion by trading Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames on February 14th. Between now and March 21st's trade deadline, they'll continue to be busy on the trade front. Offloading veteran players and pending unrestricted free agents, while gaining picks and prospects to aid with their rebuild.
But could that rebuild be accelerated by signing a top free agent in July? According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Canadiens could be aggressive in free agency this summer.
"You know, they've been a little outside the box hiring Martin St. Louis to coach without any experience and what an impact that's had so far. And so more out of the box thinking here. What we're hearing is that yes, the Canadiens are still on the lookout for picks and prospects in their roster makeover, but further proof that this is not necessarily a traditional rebuild and more of a roster transformation is that I'm told the Habs intend to be pretty aggressive in free agency come July 13, they hope to be a player. And while they want to get younger in some parts of the team, they also want to lure a big star or two to Montreal as part of this roster transformation.
Now, let me say this. It's not like Marc Bergevin, the previous GM, didn't want to sign unrestricted free agents on July 1. He certainly tried. It's not a top-A destination for some free agents. But what I was told by another team today. If Martin St. Louis stays on as coach, what kind of a factor is he in maybe attracting some free agents? LeBrun said.
Now, let me say this. It's not like Marc Bergevin, the previous GM, didn't want to sign unrestricted free agents on July 1. He certainly tried. It's not a top-A destination for some free agents. But what I was told by another team today. If Martin St. Louis stays on as coach, what kind of a factor is he in maybe attracting some free agents? LeBrun said.
This is purely speculation, but some names Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes could take a run at this summer include Patrice Bergeron (a former client of Hughes), Filip Forsberg, Tomas Hertl, Nino Niederreiter, and Hampus Lindholm.
Source: TSN
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APRIL 27, 2026
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