The Montreal Canadiens' top objective this off-season should be to add another star center to their roster. It is clear that they need to upgrade their second-line center spot as they enter their Stanley Cup window. In a recent article for The Athletic [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7336718/2026/06/05/steve-yzerman-dylan-larkin-trade-red-wings/], Pierre LeBrun wrote that the Canadiens are "keeping super close tabs" on New Jersey Devils star center Nico Hischier and his potential availability. "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," LeBrun wrote. With the Canadiens needing another star center to play with Nick Suzuki, it makes sense that Hischier is playing who is on their radar. Hischier would be an outstanding pickup for their second-line center spot and would make the Canadiens be clear contenders heading into the 2026-27 season. Hischier is entering the final season of his contract in 2026-27, so questions about his future in New Jersey have come up. If contract negotiations between him and the Devils do not go well this summer, he could be made available, and it would make all the sense in the world for the Canadiens to pursue him. In 82 games this season with the Devils, Hischier recorded 28 goals, 38 assists, and 66 points. This is after he had 35 goals and 69 points in 75 games for New Jersey in 2024-25.
