Habs: 10 players who could leave Montreal this summer

When the 2024-2025 campaign opened, it seemed more than obvious that Christian Dvorak’s future was not with the Canadiens. That said, in the final stretch of the season, he established himself as a mainstay for Martin St-Louis in crucial moments, particularly in the face-off circle, in addition to scoring important goals. What should we do with him, given that his contract expires on July 1? The idea of seeing him back in Montreal seems more acceptable, if unlikely.

With the emergence of Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson, many wonder if Mike Matheson will be sacrificed in a trade to make room for younger players. Sure, he’s the scapegoat of the fans, but ultimately, he’s doing more good than bad, playing big minutes for the Habs night after night. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and is a real bargain at $4.875 million (US).

On track to become a free agent next July, it’s not impossible that we’ll see the Finn back in Montreal next year. The No. 40 let it be known that talks for a return have taken place recently, as he has been with the team since 2018. He seems to like it here, and in a role on the third or fourth line, he doesn’t do badly, fitting in well with Jake Evans’ style.

The young Québécois played just 12 games with the Habs this season, experiencing his share of ups and downs. Inconsistency is often a problem, so one wonders whether he’ll be liquidated in a trade, in order to improve the big club. Roy seems destined to make the NHL… to be continued, but don’t be surprised if he leaves the Habs sooner rather than later.

The American goaltender has had an extraordinary season with the Laval Rocket, and has good skills in front of the net. However, his future in Montreal is more than uncertain, as he has clearly fallen behind Jakub Dobes in the team hierarchy. He will become a restricted free agent on July 1, so the Habs will have to decide whether to offer him a qualifying offer.

Despite being one of the crowd’s favorite players, there seems to be a lack of confidence in the Sheriff on the part of Martin St-Louis. Xhekaj was regularly overlooked late in the season, before playing an important intimidating role in the playoffs against the Capitals. Nevertheless, once again, it wouldn’t be surprising if number 72 requested a trade, in order to get real opportunities elsewhere. No doubt the other 31 teams will want him…

With the arrival of David Reinbacher and Alexandre Carrier, one wonders if Logan Mailloux will be traded so that the Habs can acquire a number 2 center. The young right-handed brigadier has a baggage of tools much sought-after in the NHL, including his laterality and size, so there’s no doubt that a few managers could be interested in his services, should he become available on the market.

Also expected to become a free agent, Michael Pezzetta’s time with the Habs is coming to an end. Pezzetta has barely played this season, and it’s questionable whether he’s NHL-calibre. However, “Pezz” is recognized as an individual who is appreciated by the organization and his teammates, and who will have given the club a great deal of service.

Since his arrival with the Habs in 2022, injuries have not spared Dach. It seems pretty obvious that he’s not the second center everyone expected, so he could get a breath of fresh air with another franchise. That said, Dach seems to be greatly appreciated internally, so he may get one last chance. He’ll be in the final year of his current contract, so the stakes will be high for #77.

Patrik Laine has gone from hero to near-zero since his arrival in Montreal. Many saw him as a savior in 2024, while most fans are now calling for his departure, given that he doesn’t seem to fit in with his coach’s philosophy. A contract buyout or trade for the Finnish giant? The idea is starting to make the rounds…