Montreal targets a true 2C by proposing Nick Schmaltz to the Canadiens, with Kirby Dach heading to Utah and a couple of picks swapping hands. Schmaltz would anchor Montreal’s second line beside Ivan Demidov, offering elite playmaking and a plausible 63-point pace. Dach would land in Utah, adding a high-upside center behind a young core. The deal would immediately reshape the Canadiens’ offense and inject fresh fantasy angles for 25-26.

For fantasy managers, Schmaltz in Montreal signals a dramatic upgrade to the top-six playmaking, with Demidov likely benefiting from bulked secondary scoring. Utah’s side creates a compelling young-centers pipeline with Dach, while the 2026 picks provide future flexibility. The storyline fuels anticipation as both clubs chase a playoff push and a brighter fantasy season.