NHL Rumor Roundup: What's Next For The Montreal Canadiens?
The Montreal Canadiens' playoff run ended last Friday when the Carolina Hurricanes eliminated them in five games.
Nevertheless, finishing in the Eastern Conference final will be viewed as a success for the Canadiens. They have made significant strides since commencing their roster rebuild four years ago.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes won't rest on his laurels. Despite his club's improvement this season, some roster issues remain to be addressed if the Habs intend to take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention.
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Postmedia reported there was speculation the Canadiens spoke with the New York Rangers about center Vincent Trocheck at the trade deadline.
Trocheck's average annual value of $5.625 million through 2028-29 would fit nicely within the Canadiens' salary-cap payroll. However, his age (33 in July) and desire to remain close to New York suggest the Habs could be looking elsewhere.
Bernier also suggested that Jakub Dobes could be a trade candidate if management still considers Jacob Fowler their goalie of the future. However, they're more likely to keep that young tandem intact and attempt to move Sam Montembeault, who has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3.15 million.
Brendan Gallagher Still Has Something To Offer Once He Leaves Canadiens
Veteran Brendan Gallagher was barely used this season with the Montreal Canadiens, and he said he'll be moving on. Could the Vancouver Canucks be where Gallagher revitalizes his career?
The Canadiens are projected to have nearly $11 million of salary cap space for 2026-27. That prompted Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin to include Josh Anderson on his list of players who could become cost-cutting trade candidates this summer.
Anderson, 32, is a year away from UFA eligibility with a cap hit of $5.5 million. However, his physical game is tailor-made for the playoffs, so it's doubtful the Habs will peddle him this summer.
Brendan Gallagher is the more likely cost-cutting candidate. The 34-year-old tearfully told reporters he'll be moving on after this season despite having a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.
Gallagher said he'd be open to a trade to his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks. Whether the rebuilding Canucks would be interested in him as a veteran presence remains to be seen.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 2:07 PM.