What happened: Montreal’s prospect pool has thinned as young talent graduated to the NHL. Keeping the remaining high-upside group intact would favor an internal, short-term solution down the middle.

Why it matters: Premier centers typically command valuable young assets in trades. Patience would preserve Montreal’s development pipeline as the club prepares for 2026-27.

What to watch: Training camp will test whether Montreal’s internal candidates can stabilize the middle six before management revisits the trade market.