Montreal Canadiens target centers Robert Thomas, Nico Hischier, Elias Pettersson
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 4:14 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
The Montreal Canadiens aim to strengthen their roster by acquiring a top-six center this summer. Key targets include Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, who had 25 goals and 64 points last season, Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. Thomas offers a favorable contract, while Hischier, entering his contract's final season, could be available if extension talks falter. Pettersson, needing a fresh start, brings a strong offensive history but comes with a high cap hit. The Canadiens seek to build on a successful playoff campaign that reached the Eastern Conference Final.
- •Canadiens plan to add a top-six center this summer.
- •Targets include Robert Thomas, Nico Hischier, and Elias Pettersson.
- •Thomas had 25 goals and 64 points last season.
- •Hischier may be available if contract talks stall.
- •Pettersson has a history of strong offensive performance.
- 4:14 PMYahoo Sports — 3 NHL top-six center targets for the Montreal Canadiens
"The Montreal Canadiens lack one key element of their roster: a second-line center to play behind Nick Suzuki. Today, we take a look at three NHL top-six center options for the Habs.
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