MONTREAL - The 2025 season for the Montreal Canadiens is shaping up to be pivotal, as General Manager Kent Hughes shifts his strategy from selling players to acquiring talent before the fast-approaching trade deadline on March 7. This change marks a significant pivot for the Canadiens, who are eager to bolster their roster as they approach key matchups.
The Canadiens have engaged fans by setting up a one-stop shop for everything related to the 2025 trade deadline on their team site. Notably, the team’s site encourages fans to contribute their thoughts on player movements they wish to see, demonstrating Hughes’ commitment to involving the fanbase.
So, who could be on the move? The Canadiens’ pending unrestricted free agents, including Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, and David Savard, are prime candidates for trade discussions. Some insiders have even suggested Mike Matheson might be attractive to other teams seeking experienced defensemen.
Evaluations are being conducted on the current roster, and names like Dylan Cozens, Trevor Zegras, and Noah Dobson have circulated as potential targets for Hughes, as he navigates this strategic period for improvement.
Meanwhile, on the ice, rookie defenseman Lane Hutson has made history by becoming the first rookie to record 40 assists in fewer than 60 games since 1991-92. Hutson achieved this milestone during the Canadiens’ recent game against the San Jose Sharks, contributing to Nick Suzuki’s second goal of the evening. This remarkable performance not only highlights Hutson’s talent but positions him as the Calder Trophy favorite, with 44 points (four goals and 40 assists) across 59 games this season.
Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis recently commented on Hutson's effectiveness, stating, "Hutson isn’t Montreal’s time-on-ice leader – Michael Matheson leads the way at 24:28. But Hutson’s 22:38 still puts him 44th among all NHLers, which is absurd as a rookie. He’s averaging more than 18 minutes at 5-on-5." Hutson’s versatility and impact on the game have made him one to watch as the Canadiens look to build for enviable seasons to come.
On the other hand, there’s concern within the organization about Filip Mesar, the Canadiens’ second first-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. Mesar has now suffered another serious injury, which raises questions about his future and on-ice contributions. According to the latest reports, he will be sidelined for up to six weeks due to an upper-body injury, sparking doubts about whether he can eventually step up as an impact player for the lineup.
Supporting Mesar's absence, another injury has struck – defenseman Noel Hoefenmayer, who will also miss four to six weeks, complicates the Canadiens’ defensive depth options. Hoefenmayer's role with the Laval Rocket was pivotal, and his absence opens doors for others, like Logan Mailloux, to take on greater responsibilities.
Despite injuries, young forward Emil Heineman is shining. After being sidelined due to multiple injuries, including being hit by a car, Heineman has bounced back and is making his presence felt on the ice. The 21-year-old has posted 10 goals and seven assists, ranking third among NHL rookies and producing considerable hits—109 to be exact—making him noticeable each time he’s on the rink. Coach Martin St. Louis has acknowledged Heineman's contributions and readiness, stating, "He plays with a lot of pace, he’s got a great shot. I feel he’s just ready to play the game.”
Heineman himself expressed delight about being part of the Canadiens, saying gleefully, "For sure!" during discussions about his trade from Calgary to Montreal. This enthusiastic sentiment captures the excitement surrounding this season's younger players and how they’re swiftly becoming integral members of the Canadiens family.
With February recognized as Black History Month, the Canadiens are honoring the heritage of Quebec’s Black community through various initiatives during their game against the Sharks. They collaborated with artist Anna Binta Diallo, who created logos capturing the essence of the African diaspora's cultural impact. Diallo aimed to unify diverse traditions through art, promoting both inclusion and diversity within the sports framework —an important message as the Canadiens push toward realizing their vision of community engagement.
Overall, as the Montreal Canadiens gear up for the remainder of the season, they are at a crossroads—a time of injury management, strategic acquisitions, and talent development. With Hughes’ commitment to acquiring the right players and celebrating community heritage, there is much to engage fans and create buzz around the franchise. All eyes will be on Hughes as the trade deadline approaches, ensuring the excitement surrounding the Canadiens remains palpable during the 2025 season.