The Montreal Canadiens could be looking to make a significant move to fill the void left by Patrik Laine’s injury. Laine is expected to be out for 3-4 months after undergoing surgery in late October to repair a core muscle injury. This is a major blow to the Canadiens’ offense, especially as Montreal is currently in its Stanley Cup window. As a result, the Habs might explore options to replace him.

NHL insider Jeff Marek believes Montreal will target Steven Stamkos from the Nashville Predators, which would be a massive move. Speaking on *Sekeres and Price*, Marek said, “It’s not a good fit, it’s not working. I know life away from [Brayden] Point and [Nikita] Kucherov is tough. I still have a hard time believing what I’m seeing. Considering he left Tampa scoring 40 goals. I know he’s 35, and when it happens, it can happen suddenly. I just never saw it with Stamkos.”

He continued, “That’s why I thought, not for the full ticket — we are talking a $4 million Stamkos — I could wonder about the Canucks, and I could wonder now that Patrik Laine is out, I could wonder about the Canadiens too, with Steven Stamkos. But, something probably has to give here.”

Stamkos is currently in the second year of his four-year, $32 million contract with the Predators. Since signing with Nashville, he has struggled to find his footing. If the Predators are willing to retain some of his salary, the Canadiens should be highly interested. Stamkos would provide a perfect fit as a second-line center and add valuable secondary scoring to Montreal’s lineup, despite his slow start this season.

### Canadiens Have Been Linked to Adding a Second-Line Center

Montreal entered the offseason with a clear need for a second-line center but didn’t make a move at that time. The expectation was for Kirby Dach to fill that role. However, NHL insiders Darren Dreger and Chris Johnston have recently confirmed that the Canadiens are still actively searching for a second-line center.

“I think [Canadiens’ GM] Kent Hughes is going to try and do something. He’s still looking for that number two center,” Dreger said on *Barn Burner*. This urgency has increased as Kirby Dach continues to battle injuries, currently sidelined with a lower-body issue, and is in the final year of his contract.

Oliver Kapanen has been a pleasant surprise this season but is not the type of second-line center Montreal needs right now.

Chris Johnston also weighed in on *Insider Trading*, confirming the Canadiens’ ongoing search: “The most pressing need certainly is for another centerman. Montreal has been on that file for a while now. It was a market they were exploring over the summer. I do think at some point you’ll see them make that kind of move.”

### Canadiens Off to a Hot Start

Despite the challenges, the Canadiens are off to an impressive start, boasting a 9-3-0 record so far this season. Montreal holds the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-best overall in the NHL.

The team recently rallied to defeat the Ottawa Senators, marking their third consecutive win and five victories in their last six games.

“It’s crazy how we just keep doing this and our star players step up for us every time,” defenseman Jayden Struble said after the game. “When we’re down it doesn’t feel like we’re down. It’s like: All right, someone’s going to score and send it to OT and then someone’s going to win it. It’s a crazy thing to be a part of right now. It’s very fun and I love the way that we’re playing.”

With the Canadiens maintaining this momentum and possibly adding a key second-line center like Steven Stamkos, their Stanley Cup aspirations are looking stronger than ever.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/montreal-canadiens/linked-trade-stamkos-replace-laine/