The Montreal Canadiens are in pursuit of Nic Hague, eyeing potential upgrades across their roster. While discussions have been focused on strengthening the defensive line, there is also interest in acquiring a top-six forward to complement promising talents like Ivan Demidov. The Canadiens aim to find a player who can synergize with Demidov, creating a dynamic partnership that supports their collective growth.

Meanwhile, the New York Rangers find themselves in a transitional phase post-Chris Kreider's trade. Analyst Chris Johnston has indicated that further roster adjustments are likely, pointing to Mika Zibanejad as a key player potentially on the move. Zibanejad's no-movement clause may complicate matters, yet the Rangers' financial flexibility—projected at around $15 million in cap space—could facilitate future transactions.