Potential Trade Packages the Canadiens Could Use to Get Jordan Kyrou

 

After pulling off two major trades to land defenseman Noah Dobson and forward Zachary Bolduc, most assumed Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes was finished making blockbuster moves. However, according to insider Frank Seravalli on The Kevin Karius Show, the Canadiens remain active and are reportedly in pursuit of dynamic Blues winger Jordan Kyrou.

Despite trading away key assets, Montreal still has the pieces — and the motivation — to chase Kyrou. But what would a potential deal look like, and how could the Canadiens make it work?

While Montreal moved both of its 2025 first-round picks in the Dobson deal, the organization still holds a strong collection of draft assets moving forward. The Canadiens own all of their first-round selections in 2026, 2027, and 2028, as well as an additional second-round pick in 2026. This provides Hughes with flexibility to include premium picks in a Kyrou trade offer.

Though Hughes might be hesitant to move yet another first-round pick so soon, he could part with a 2026 first-rounder if he sees Kyrou as a long-term building block. That type of return could appeal to St. Louis, a team navigating tight cap constraints and facing the weight of Kyrou’s $8.125 million AAV contract through 2031.

Even after sending Logan Mailloux to the Blues for Zachary Bolduc, Montreal retains one of the league’s deeper prospect pools. The organization’s top names — including David Reinbacher, Michael Hage, and Owen Beck — offer a variety of trade chip options.

While Reinbacher is increasingly seen as untouchable following Mailloux’s departure, 2024 first-rounder Michael Hage could be of real interest to St. Louis. A projected top-six center with a high ceiling, Hage had an impressive campaign at the University of Michigan.

That said, trading Hage before he’s had the chance to develop could be short-sighted for a team still early in its climb toward contention. More likely, the Canadiens would consider moving from their second-tier prospects, such as Filip Mesar, Riley Kidney, or even Joshua Roy.

Cap Situation: Moving Salary a Must

Montreal currently sits more than $5 million over the salary cap, and while Carey Price will eventually go on LTIR to clear $10.5 million in space, offseason cap rules prevent teams from exceeding the cap by more than 10%, even with LTIR candidates on the roster.

If the Canadiens hope to take on Kyrou’s $8.125 million hit, they’ll need to move a contract — likely one with significant value or term.

Candidates to Clear Cap Space:

• Patrik Laine (1 year, $8.7M): Could be flipped in a three-team trade, but not ideal for St. Louis.

• Josh Anderson (4 years, $5.5M): Has value but may require salary retention.

• Mike Matheson (2 years, $4.875M): Arguably Montreal’s best trade chip if they choose to part ways.

• Kirby Dach (3 years, $3.36M): A young, cost-controlled center with upside; might interest St. Louis in a hockey trade.

Cap gymnastics will be critical. The Blues cannot take on equal or higher salary and will expect the Canadiens to manage the financial side creatively.

Despite their status as a retooling team, the Canadiens have made clear they’re not afraid to accelerate their timeline. The addition of Dobson and Bolduc signals a shift from long-term rebuilding toward active roster enhancement.

Jordan Kyrou, 27, is in the middle of his prime and locked up through 2031. He brings elite speed, three straight 30-goal seasons, and the potential to slot into a high-skill top-six role — possibly alongside Nick Suzuki or Juraj Slafkovsky. His age and profile align perfectly with Montreal’s emerging core.

A successful Kyrou trade will likely require a first-round pick, a strong prospect, and an established roster player — while managing significant salary movement. It won’t be easy, but the Canadiens have proven they’re willing to make bold, forward-thinking decisions.

If Kent Hughes sees Kyrou as a fit, and if St. Louis is willing to listen, this could become the next major move in Montreal’s evolving roster strategy.

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