The Montreal Canadiens are going through a very good stretch. Still, the lineup for this season has some major holes, especially at the center position on the second line.

Let’s be honest: the Kirby Dach experiment at center hasn’t gone very well, and Alex Newhook is definitely not a top-six player.

With Ivan Demidov expected to join the Canadiens lineup in the near future, Kent Hughes absolutely needs to find a center who can help generate offense.

In a recent segment on BPM Sports, David Ettedgui took a bold stance and revealed his list of players that Kent Hughes should target this summer to improve the second line.

According to him, the players to aim for are: Mason McTavish, Robert Thomas, Martin Necas, and Mathew Barzal.

David Ettedgui would bet $100 on one name in particular: Mathew Barzal to the Montreal Canadiens

While all these names are enticing, Ettedgui believes only one is truly attainable-and that’s Mathew Barzal.

In fact, he says he’d be willing to bet $100 that this trade is more than just possible.

“If I were to bet $100 on a trade that is really, really possible, it’s definitely Mathew Barzal. The Islanders are heading into a dead end. They’re not progressing.
There’s no prospect pool at all.”

– David Ettedgui

The reason why this trade could very well happen is quite simple.

Despite the Islanders’ Thursday night win over the Canadiens and their current playoff push, they’re going nowhere fast.

Lou Lamoriello’s team has no real prospect pool and is clearly heading into a dead end.

Sooner or later, they’ll need to reload with prospects and young players.

And prospects and youth? That’s exactly what Kent Hughes and the Canadiens have in abundance.

Now, I can already hear people bringing up Barzal’s salary ($9.15M through the end of 2027-28) and his injury history.

But Ettedgui was quick to flip the narrative.

According to the analyst, the British Columbia native’s talent is worth the price.

Even if Barzal only plays 60 to 75 games a season, his offensive production would still significantly boost the team.

Let’s not forget, Barzal posted 80 points in 80 games in 2023-2024.

Another fun fact: like Logan Mailloux, Barzal speaks French very well.

He learned French as a kid because his father secretly hoped he’d one day play for the Canadiens.

That’s a huge bonus for the Montreal market.