The Montreal Canadiens are no longer simply rebuilding; they are competing. Sitting firmly in the playoff mix and looking to return to the postseason for a second straight year, general manager Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton may find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the trade deadline: buyers. When you buy, you often have to give something up.
Montreal has built one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL over the last few years. But depth also creates internal competition, and not every young player can find a long-term role in the organization. If the Canadiens decide to add a veteran piece for the stretch run, some promising, but not untouchable, prospects could become part of the conversation.
Joshua RoyÂ
Joshua Roy has had opportunities. That’s the key point here. The fifth-round pick in 2021 has been recalled multiple times and given stretches to prove he belongs at the NHL level. At his best, Roy shows strong offensive instincts, soft hands in tight spaces, and the ability to read plays well in the offensive zone. But the consistency hasn’t been there. Every time it feels like he might grab a permanent roster spot, something stalls, whether it’s production, pace, or defensive reliability.
With the Laval Rocket, Roy has been productive. He has shown he can be a top-six forward at the American Hockey League (AHL) level. But the Canadiens’ NHL roster is getting more crowded. With young forwards establishing themselves and others pushing from below, Roy may be stuck in that difficult zone—too good for the AHL, but not quite locking down an NHL role.
A change of scenery could genuinely benefit him. Some players simply need a different environment, a clearer path, or a new coaching voice to unlock the next level. We’ve seen it happen countless times around the league.
From Montreal’s perspective, Roy could be a valuable trade chip. He’s still young, still has upside, and still carries an offensive pedigree. If the Habs are looking to add a veteran forward for depth or experience heading into the playoffs, Roy is the type of asset that could headline a reasonable package without gutting the organization’s core.
Adam EngstromÂ
If it were purely about development trajectory, Adam Engstrom probably wouldn’t be in this discussion. Engstrom has arguably been Laval’s best defenseman this season. His mobility, puck movement, and composure stand out. He plays a modern game, capable of joining the rush while still being reliable in his own zone. At just 22 years old, he looks very close to being NHL-ready.
That’s exactly why his name could come up in trade conversations. Defensemen with upside carry significant value around the league. Teams looking to retool or rebuild often target young, mobile blueliners who are close to NHL impact. Engstrom fits that description perfectly.
The Canadiens’ long-term blue line picture is also getting crowded. With Lane Hutson already in Montreal, David Reinbacher in the pipeline, and other young defenders fighting for roles, there could be internal competition for spots over the next few seasons. That doesn’t mean Engstrom is expendable, far from it, but it does mean Montreal has depth at the position.
If the Habs were targeting a significant veteran piece, perhaps a top-four defenseman for a playoff push or a reliable two-way forward, a team might ask for Engstrom in return. The question becomes, do you sacrifice a potentially impactful young defenseman for immediate help? Personally, this feels more like a longshot. Engstrom should be part of Montreal’s long-term plans. But in a buying scenario, other teams will certainly ask.
Sean FarrellÂ
Sean Farrell’s situation is fascinating. Since December 2024, Farrell has been excellent in Laval. He has produced consistently, driven offense, and shown the creativity that made him a highly regarded prospect coming out of Harvard. His hockey IQ and vision remain high-end traits. The problem? Opportunity.
Montreal’s NHL forward group is tighter than it has been in years. Between established young core pieces and other prospects pushing for time, there simply may not be a clear opening for Farrell to secure meaningful NHL minutes. For a player of his style—smaller, skill-based, offense-driven, and playing limited fourth-line minutes—it doesn’t make much sense.
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Farrell still has value. Teams looking for playmaking upside or power-play creativity could view him as a worthwhile gamble. In a trade package for a veteran depth scorer or experienced middle-six piece, Farrell’s name could make sense.
The Canadiens won’t move prospects just to move them. This organization has been patient and deliberate with development. Roy, Engstrom, and Farrell are all still legitimate young players with upside. But if Montreal decides to lean into its playoff position and buy at the deadline, something has to give. You can’t add without subtracting.
