Montreal could trade Arber Xhekaj for a first-round pick to target a true top-six center, with Shane Wright as the alluring return if the pick lands with Seattle. Wright posted 19 goals and 44 points in 2024, but Montreal’s back end is crowded—Hutson, Guhle, Carrier and Matheson—giving Xhekaj high trade value despite his physical, enforcer-type upside. The move hinges on securing immediate center production, not another mid-round asset.

Montreal’s window to contend hinges on a mature core and smart, patient development. Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky, Hutson, and Guhle form the nucleus, backed by a front office whose plan is finally bearing fruit. The addition of Noah Dobson from the Islanders gives the back end a veteran push, while extensions for Slafkovsky and Guhle lock in leadership on the blueline and in the locker room. The narrative shifts from rebuild to return-to-playoff-caliber, with the organization signaling it’s time to push for a deep run this year.

Gorton and Hughes are credited with assembling a young, talented group that still has room to grow, yet is ready to contribute meaningfully in fantasy terms. The Canadiens face heightened expectations, but the blend of youth with proven pieces suggests a competitive floor and upside scenario for several skaters. The path to a Cup someday remains, but the near-term focus is clear: return to the playoffs and establish Montreal as a steady contender for multiple seasons.

In fantasy terms, Montreal’s ceiling rises with the growth curve of Suzuki and Caufield, the two anchors who can drive scoring and power-play impact. Slafkovsky’s development, Hutson’s creative transition game, and Guhle’s all-purpose defenseman role will dictate line combos and PP time. If the Dobson acquisition sticks and the core progresses as expected, Montreal could produce a more reliable, multi-category fantasy profile this season, even if championship scenarios remain a few steps away.

Lane Hutson’s Calder-winning rookie season anchors Montreal’s long-term plan as talks on his next deal heat up. Sources say both sides are in a good place and contract discussions are ongoing, with a seven-year, roughly $56 million target floated as a feasible ceiling for a cornerstone defenseman. Montreal’s young core—Hutson, Guhle, Struble, plus veterans like Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson on the backend—gives the Canadiens a dynamic, puck-moving layer to pair with depth, setting up a potential playoff push in a still-open Eastern Conference. The Panthers remain the division bar, but Montreal’s path to relevance, playoffs, and sustained fantasy upside looks clearer with Hutson at the helm and a growing blueline around him.

Hutson’s rise, selected 62nd in 2022, maps onto a future where Montreal leans on a blue line built for offense and elite defensive play. Dobson adds veteran steadiness, Guhle and Struble blend youth with upside, and Matheson supplies experience. Retaining Hutson is portrayed as the next-step move to lock in a bright, long-term horizon for the Canadiens, making the team and fantasy rosters worth watching as the contracts and development timeline unfold.

The Montreal Canadiens face an intriguing decision regarding defenseman Mike Matheson, who has one year remaining on his contract. As the only over-30 player on a predominantly young blue line, Matheson could serve as a vital mentor. His experience would complement rising talents like Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle, who are expected to form the core of the Canadiens' defense for years to come.

Matheson's potential departure raises questions about the team's strategy, especially with Guhle's injury history. Retaining him could provide stability as the next generation develops, yet it may not align with the Canadiens' long-term financial goals. Ultimately, the decision hinges on how the management views Guhle's readiness and Matheson's market value.