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A bold trade proposal circulating in NHL circles has the hockey world buzzing, as it suggests the Montreal Canadiens could be poised to land a \$92.8 million franchise-altering talent in a stunning five-player blockbuster deal.
According to a speculative trade scenario pitched by analysts at The Athletic and echoed by local Montreal sports talk shows, the Canadiens are being linked to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau, a former All-Star and current centerpiece of a struggling Blue Jackets roster. Gaudreau, who signed a 7-year, \$68.25 millioncontract in 2022, still has five years and \$57.5 million remaining on his deal, with career earnings that already place his value near \$92.8 million.
The proposed deal would see Montreal send a package including Josh Anderson, Justin Barron, a 2025 first-round pick, and prospect Filip Mesar in exchange for Gaudreau and defenseman Adam Boqvist. While no official discussions have been confirmed by either team, insiders believe both front offices are open to exploring major changes following underwhelming campaigns.
Why the Deal Makes Sense for Montreal
For the Canadiens, who are in the midst of a rebuild under GM Kent Hughes, acquiring Gaudreau would instantly inject elite playmaking ability into a developing forward group led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. With the team looking to turn the corner and return to playoff contention, a player like Gaudreau could accelerate the rebuild and bring leadership and offensive consistency to a young core.
Boqvist, still just 24 years old, would also fill a need on the right side of Montreal’s defense, potentially forming a dynamic future pairing with Kaiden Guhle or Lane Hutson.
The Risks and Reactions
However, the proposed deal comes with risk. Gaudreau’s production dipped last season, and questions remain about whether he can regain his 100-point form in a new environment. Montreal would also be parting with valuable youth and a first-round pick in a move that could backfire if the star winger doesn’t fit into Martin St. Louis’ system.
Fans are split. Some see Gaudreau as the kind of offensive dynamo the Canadiens have lacked since the prime years of Alex Kovalev or Saku Koivu, while others worry that Montreal may be giving up too much during a fragile stage of development.
Bottom Line
No deal is imminent, but where there’s smoke, there may be fire. The Canadiens have cap flexibility, a deep prospect pool, and a fan base desperate for a star. If this five-player blockbuster comes to fruition, it could mark the biggest Habs transaction since the Shea Weber–P.K. Subban swap.
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