June 22, 2024 | 5:42pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

HABS REMAIN IN HUNT FOR SCORING FORWARD

Trevor Zegras, forward

The Montreal Canadiens continue their search for a scoring winger to add to their roster for the 2024-25 season and trade talks could escalate over the next few days leading up to the NHL Draft.

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is exploring the league and is open to making a move ahead of the Draft that improves his team, with offence reportedly a priority for him and the club to address this summer.

The Canadiens have continuously been linked to Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas and Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras and talks involving both players are believed to be ongoing.

Necas can become a restricted free agent July 1, while Zegras has two more years left on his contract at an annual salary cap hit of $5.75 million.

The asking price for both players is believed to be high, with TFP’s David Pagnotta reporting on Saturday that Carolina is looking to complete a ‘hockey trade’ involving Necas, swapping talent for talent as opposed to future assets like draft picks and prospects.

Necas, who would like to change of scenery and an opportunity to maximize his talents on a new team, is believed to be looking for a new contract worth at least $7 million per season.

The Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres are among the teams that have reportedly shown varying levels of interest in both players.