The Montreal Canadiens are likely saying goodbye to Christian Dvorak as the March 7 trade deadline inches closer.
General Manager Kent Hughes has some tough decisions ahead, but moving Dvorak seems increasingly certain. The 29-year-old center will become a free agent this summer, and talks about a new contract have hit a wall, according to La Presse’s Richard Labbe.
Dvorak’s got skills that playoff teams would love. He’s great at faceoffs and plays solid defensive hockey – exactly what contenders look for when they’re trying to beef up their roster for a Cup run.
"I would definitely like to stay," Dvorak told Labbe. "I like the guys on this team, I like playing here, and I wouldn’t be against the idea of coming back to Montreal after this season. It’s an honor to wear this team’s jersey."
But the writing’s on the wall.
The Canadiens are looking to get younger, with promising prospects like Owen Beck, Joshua Roy, and Ivan Demidov waiting in the wings.
It’s been a bumpy ride since Marc Bergevin brought Dvorak to Montreal in 2021. He hasn’t quite lived up to what the team hoped for, making fans wonder what Hughes might get in return for him now.
While Dvorak’s leaving the door open for a possible return in 2025-26 as a free agent, it’s hard to see that happening. The Habs seem ready to turn the page and give their young guns a shot.
The big question now is: What can Hughes get for a veteran center before the deadline? Playoff-bound teams are always looking for experienced players who know their way around the faceoff circle.
