The buzz around the Montreal Canadiens’ offseason plans is gaining momentum, with Roope Hintz rumors swirling as general manager Kent Hughes reportedly seeks a significant move to address the team’s second-line center void. With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft fast approaching, Hughes may be eyeing a blockbuster deal that could send shockwaves through the league.
Montreal Canadiens Looking to Land Second-Line Center Roope Hintz
Roope Hintz, 28, has quietly evolved into one of the NHL’s most consistent two-way centers. With three consecutive 30+ goal seasons under his belt and on pace to eclipse that mark again, he’s become a core piece of the Dallas Stars‘ offense. Hintz carries a cap hit of $8.45 million through the 2029-30 season—a hefty price, but one that reflects his value as a top-tier pivot.
Rumors indicate the Canadiens are considering packaging a substantial trade to pry Hintz from the Stars. The proposed deal?
Montreal Canadiens Receive: Roope Hintz
Dallas Stars Receive: Kirby Dach, Logan Mailloux, Joshua Roy, 2025 1st-round pick (CGY), 2025 2nd-round pick (PIT)
From an expert’s lens, this is a steep ask—but one that makes sense for both teams. The Stars would add youth and depth with Dach and Roy, a promising top-pairing defense prospect in Mailloux, and two high-value picks. For the Habs, Hintz fills an immediate need as a reliable, offensively gifted center behind Nick Suzuki.
Pairing Hintz with sniper Patrik Laine and electrifying rookie Ivan Demidov could create one of the most dynamic second lines in the Eastern Conference. Demidov’s elite vision and Laine’s shot make this line a nightmare for opponents. Hintz’s defensive reliability and elite skating would anchor the trio perfectly.
Still, Dallas would be reluctant to part with such a cornerstone player. But with salary cap concerns, the trade and signing of Mikko Rantanen and the rise of Wyatt Johnston and Thomas Harley, the Stars may consider the long-term flexibility a deal like this offers.
The Canadiens have the assets and cap space. The only question now is: does Kent Hughes have the boldness to pull the trigger?
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