The Montreal Canadiens had a very successful 2025-26 season, but the way it ended highlighted that the roster is still in need of some improvements, particularly down the middle of the ice behind Nick Suzuki.
We’ve heard this chatter for what feels like years now in Montreal, though after a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, this offseason may finally be the time GM Kent Hughes gets extra aggressive in addressing it.
There may be some good options with Dylan Larkin now potentially on the market; however, the best fit for the Canadiens, according to insider Pierre LeBrun, would be Nico Hischier should he become available.
“Montreal will keep an eye on how the Larkin situation plays out, but to me, Hischier is the best fit for the Canadiens. And there’s no doubt the Habs are keeping super close tabs on that, too.
Hischier is a left-handed Nick Suzuki. The fit is beyond perfect for Montreal if Hischier were ever actually available. I think the Canadiens would be willing to pay a real price and not mess around in that trade scenario,”
The 27-year-old Hischier will be entering the seventh and final year of the seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension he signed with the Devils in 2019 and is eligible for a new extension beginning July 1, 2026. He posted 66 points (28 goals, 38 assists) in 82 games played last season.
There’s no doubt that Suzuki and Hischier would form an elite one-two punch at center that could stack up against anyone in the NHL.
Whether New Jersey’s captain is a possibility remains to be seen. That said, with a contract year pending and new GM Sunny Mehta taking over after a disappointing 2025-26 season, significant changes could be on the table for the Devils.
Montreal would certainly have the assets and, as LeBrun mentions, the appetite to pull the trigger and make Hischier a Canadien if the opportunity presents itself.
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