It’s hard not to admire the direction the Montreal Canadiens are heading this offseason. Building on the momentum of a promising 2024-25 campaign, general manager Kent Hughes has taken aggressive and calculated steps to strengthen the roster, signaling that Montreal is no longer content with just rebuilding—they’re aiming to compete.
The acquisition of **Noah Dobson** from the New York Islanders stands out as a game-changing move. Dobson, a mobile, puck-moving right-handed defenseman, adds much-needed stability and offensive upside to the Canadiens’ blueline. His presence brings immediate value to a young defensive core that already includes Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher, and Jordan Harris, and he’ll likely play a major role on the power play and in high-leverage situations.
In addition to bolstering the back end, Montreal also addressed depth and future potential at forward by trading for **Zack Bolduc** from the St. Louis Blues. A former first-round pick with a strong offensive toolkit, Bolduc offers flexibility on the wing and gives the Habs another young, skilled option who can grow alongside their developing core.
With these moves, the Canadiens have notably improved two of their key needs: defensive depth and scoring depth on the wings. However, one glaring area remains unresolved—the need for a **true top-six center** to slot in behind or alongside Nick Suzuki. While Kirby Dach is expected to return from injury and has top-six upside, relying solely on him and Suzuki may not be enough to drive a playoff push in a competitive Atlantic Division.
To truly round out the roster and label this offseason a perfect success, Hughes will need to make one more bold move: **land a legitimate top-six center**. Whether that comes via trade, free agency, or a bold draft-day maneuver, it’s the missing piece in what has otherwise been an impressive summer for Montreal.
The foundation is in place. The Canadiens are on the rise. One more move could cement them as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.
When evaluating the Montreal Canadiens’ current roster, one position stands out as an area in need of reinforcement: second-line center. While the organization does have internal options in **Kirby Dach** and **Alex Newhook**, neither has yet solidified himself as a reliable, full-time top-six center. Dach has shown flashes of promise when healthy, and Newhook possesses strong skating and offensive instincts, but both still carry questions in terms of consistency and durability. For a team aiming to take the next competitive step, relying solely on in-house development could prove risky.
With that in mind, general manager **Kent Hughes** should seriously explore trade opportunities to bring in a more proven 2C before the 2025-26 season begins. The Canadiens are in an enviable position when it comes to **assets**. Between a deep pool of prospects, multiple draft picks, and expendable NHL-ready players, they have the flexibility to make a significant move without gutting their long-term outlook. The additions of **Noah Dobson** and **Zack Bolduc** already signal that Montreal is intent on upgrading strategically. Now, a top-six center could complete the puzzle.
Landing a legitimate second-line center would not only bring stability and depth to Montreal’s forward group, but also lessen the burden on **Nick Suzuki**, who currently shoulders most of the responsibility down the middle. Strong depth at center is often what separates good teams from contenders—especially in the playoffs, where matchups become crucial.
If the Canadiens are able to swing a deal for a true 2C, they could position themselves as a real threat in the Eastern Conference this coming season. Whether that target is a veteran looking for a change of scenery or a younger center buried on a deep team’s depth chart, the opportunity is there—and Hughes has the tools to make it happen.
Now the spotlight turns to Montreal’s front office. The next move could define their season.
**Montreal Canadiens Sign Joe Veleno to One-Year Deal Amid 2C Concerns**
Montreal Canadiens fans entered the offseason with high hopes that general manager Kent Hughes would make a significant move to address the team’s need for a second-line center. While several trade targets were speculated and names floated in the rumor mill, Hughes took a more measured approach, opting to sign **free agent Joe Veleno** to a **one-year, one-way contract**.
Veleno, a native of Kirkland, Quebec, and a former first-round pick (30th overall in 2018 by the Detroit Red Wings), arrives in Montreal looking for a fresh start. After four seasons with the Red Wings, where he struggled to consistently secure a top-six role, the 24-year-old forward now has an opportunity to carve out a more prominent position with the Canadiens.
Though Veleno may not be the high-profile addition some fans envisioned for the second-line center role, he brings intriguing upside. He’s known for his speed, work ethic, and two-way game, and he’s shown flashes of offensive potential. Last season in Detroit, he posted career highs with **12 goals and 20 points in 81 games**, while averaging just under 13 minutes of ice time per night. In Montreal, his role could expand, especially with question marks still surrounding **Kirby Dach’s health** and **Alex Newhook’s consistency** down the middle.
From a management perspective, the signing is low-risk. The **one-year, one-way deal** suggests the Canadiens want to evaluate Veleno up close while keeping financial and roster flexibility. If he performs well, he could become a valuable piece moving forward—or potentially serve as a trade chip. If not, the short-term nature of the deal minimizes any long-term commitment.
While this move may not definitively solve Montreal’s need for a proven 2C, it does add depth and gives head coach Martin St. Louis another versatile option. Whether Veleno can seize the opportunity and take a major step forward in his career remains to be seen, but for a Canadiens team on the rise, it’s a bet worth making.
Leave a Reply