Habs: 10 candidates for a 2nd center

On track to become the most coveted free agent of the 2025 crop, Sam Bennett could be the Habs’ perfect second center. With experience, a touch of sandpaper and talent, number 9 could hit the jackpot on July 1, when the free agent market opens. It’s a good idea to think about it, because in the long term, his future contract could age badly. The Ontario native amassed 51 points, including 25 goals, in 76 duels this year.

The skilful American forward has been glued to the Canadiens for some time now, not least because of his close ties with Cole Caufield, and his intriguing profile. Although he plays mostly on the wing, Zegras is a natural center, who has considerably improved his overall game over the past 2 years, in addition to being one of the NHL’s most talented players. Is he the ideal candidate? Maybe not, but Martin St-Louis could clearly turn him into a “real hockey player”, with a little teaching. He amassed 32 points, including 12 goals, in 57 games this season.

Despite his advanced age, O’Reilly is still a quality forward and a recognized leader throughout the Bettman circuit. A difficult season for the Predators could force them to make some personnel moves. He’s not the greatest speed merchant, of course, but he could clearly be a good fit with the young Montrealers, especially as he has a reasonable $4.5 million (US) pact until 2027. He scored 53 points, including 21 goals, in 79 games this year.

The Stars’ center isn’t slowing down despite his 34 candles, as he will most likely become an unrestricted free agent next July. We know he’s considered Montreal in the past, so the connections are easy to make. at the right price, Kent Hughes should clearly give his agent a call. He amassed 82 points in as many games in 2024-2025, including 30 goals.

Habs fans salivate when they hear his name in the rumors, as he is a very promising young player. The Canadian center is known for being a good young leader and a gamer, so his track record is tantalizing to observers… a potential free agent with compensation, McTavish won’t be immune to an offer sheet if he isn’t signed by July. Otherwise, a hockey deal is more realistic, though unlikely. The Ducks will want to build around him and Leo Carlsson, but who knows? He has 52 points, including 22 goals, in 76 games this season.

After another early exit from the Golden Knights, management will likely want to make changes to their lineup, and the Swede could be sacrificed. Karlsson has been with Vegas since 2017, their inaugural season, and is an established and well-rounded center. Paid $5.9 million (US) until 2027, Kent Hughes is bound to have a look at his résumé this summer. He scored 29 points, including 9 goals, in 53 games this season.

If the Habs are looking for a talented young offensive center, Marco Rossi would be the ideal candidate. On the other hand, if Montreal wants to add some meat to its lineup, his 5’9 and 183 lbs won’t be very enticing. He has just added a 60-point season, including 24 goals, to his record, being a future restricted free agent. The Austrian is likely to receive interest from across the National League, if he’s available on the barter market.

If the Islanders decide to embark on a rebuilding process, these two center players will certainly be courted on the transaction market. Both have pacts for several more seasons (2031), making their respective candidacies highly desirable. Horvat scored 57 points in 81 games, while Barzal tallied 20 points in 30 games.

Under contract until 2027 at $5 million (US), McCann could prove to be an obscure candidate for a trade. Considered more of a winger, the maverick is a natural center, collecting 61 points in 82 regular-season games in 2024-2025. And with the Kraken’s emergence of young forwards, including Beniers, Wright and Catton, McCann’s future in Seattle could be murky.

Although he would cost an astronomical price, the Habs owe it to themselves to do their homework with giant-sized center (6’7) Tage Thompson. He’s definitely been the best forward in Buffalo for several years, thanks to his devastating slap shot and magician’s hands, so if he were to become available, especially since the Habs are in the same division, the Habs would have to shell out a kidney and a leg. Signed until 2030 at $7.14 million (US), “TNT” filled the net on 44 occasions this year, for a total of 72 points in 76 outings.