What happened: Frank Seravalli said in June that Columbus had made the 23-year-old forward available for the right price. Johnson is entering the final season of his three-year contract.
Why it matters: The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference final and are seeking more offense for 2026-27. Columbus has missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons and faces several contract decisions up front.
By the numbers: Johnson recorded seven goals and 22 points in 76 games during 2025-26. His contract carries a $1.8 million annual cap hit through 2026-27.
What to watch: The next marker is whether Montreal and Columbus move from interest to substantive talks before training camp.