The Canadiens want to improve.
To do so, Kent Hughes could turn to the trade market because he has several assets on hand to make a big move. The Canadiens' GM has a number of draft picks on hand, as well as a number of excellent prospects.
But… let's remember this: the infamous transaction freeze will begin soon (December 20) and will run for seven days (until December 27). Will the Habs make any moves between now and then?
If the answer is yes, Pierre McGuire knows which player Kent Hughes should target.
On Tony Marinaro's podcast, McGuire extolled the virtues of Jared McCann… saying he'd be a great addition to the Habs. And McGuire took it a step further, mentioning that McCann would be a good “fit” in Montreal because of the age of the current group.
Should the #GoHabsGo pull the trigger on a trade before the holiday roster freeze?
Pierre McGuire: “Jared McCann would be a really good add… That guy would fit really well on Montreal.”#thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro @Lappy14 pic.twitter.com/WNwVJ7KIL5
– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) December 17, 2025
The problem with all this? Actually… there are two things that bother me, mostly.
1. Jared McCann is capable of playing center, but we're not talking about his natural position. He's been playing on the wing for several years, and right now… the Habs need a center who can be effective in the face-off circle.
McCann can't do that.
2. McCann only played 11 games this season. He returned to action at the end of November after missing over a month's activity, only to re-injure himself on December 10.
He is expected to return to action in the first week of January. But does the Habs want to go after a guy who's on the sidelines right now? I wonder…
Looking at the other side of the coin, it's true that we're talking about a player with some interesting qualities (and this isn't the first time he's been mentioned as an intriguing target for the Habs).
He can score goals, he can produce offensively, he has a certain reliability in his zone…
But it's going to be expensive, too. Then again, I wonder if the Canadiens would pay top dollar for a guy not named Sidney Crosby.
Still, the idea of going to Seattle to get McCann might make sense.
Overtime
– Yes, at least I like it.
Do we like Demidov's aggressive side?
https://t.co/iKieCYbjQp
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 17, 2025
– Yes, we do.
Listen: Ward: Montembeault still has proving to do https://t.co/ls9TBeFpGD
– TSN 690 Montreal (@TSN690) December 17, 2025
– News from the MLB.
Before every start, Blue Jays pitcher listens to something Star Wars. https://t.co/k4sZSA5A15
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) December 17, 2025
– I hope the Sparrows are able to keep him.
Dequoy remains a priority, but not under any conditions.https://t.co/wOKblapl1S
– RDS (@RDSca) December 17, 2025
https://t.co/iKieCYbjQp