Montreal Canadiens target second-line center options ahead of offseason
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 4:53 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
The Montreal Canadiens are focusing on finding a second-line center as they prepare for the offseason. After promising seasons from Oliver Kapanen and Jake Evans, the team recognizes the need to address a gap in their lineup. Names like Dylan Larkin and Mason McTavish are emerging as potential targets for Montreal. The Canadiens may need to make a significant trade, as some speculative interest suggests Larkin, who has requested a trade, could be a fit. However, logistical challenges related to his no-trade clause could complicate a deal. McTavish has also been mentioned, although inconsistencies in his play raise concerns about his fit with Montreal’s plans.
- •Montreal Canadiens seek a second-line center this offseason.
- •Oliver Kapanen and Jake Evans had strong seasons but are seen as insufficient alone.
- •Dylan Larkin's trade request has made him a potential target.
- •Mason McTavish's inconsistency has sparked debate over his fit with Montreal.
- •Trade complexities might hinder Montreal's pursuit of Larkin.
- 4:53 PMYahoo Sports — Who Is the Best Offseason Target for the Montreal Canadiens?
"Montreal’s biggest need this offseason is clear. It’s time to commit to finding the team a second-line center. After Oliver Kapanen’s surprise rookie season and a strong postseason from Jake Evans, the Canadiens still have a clear gap to address. The only question is, do the Canadiens have the answer in-house, or is it time to push […] The post Who Is the Best Offseason Target for the Montreal Canadiens? appeared first on The Lead.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 5:50 PMVegas’ Run Shows How Close the Mammoth are to Contention
- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 5:32 PMWhat’s next after Rangers star switches agents amid trade rumors
HockeyAHL•Jun 17, 2026, 5:18 PMRochester's Riese Zmolek is a pro hockey champion, again- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 4:14 PM3 NHL top-six center targets for the Montreal Canadiens
- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 2:34 PMLeafs hire Hiller as head coach ahead of NHL draft top pick
- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 1:13 PMMaple Leafs announce Jim Hiller as next head coach: 'This is a special organization'