The Montreal Canadiens are almost certainly going to trade Brendan Gallagher this summer, and the player himself confirmed shortly after the 2025-26 season came to an end. Since then, all indications are that the Vancouver Canucks would be the most logical trade partner for the Canadiens, as Gallagher is from Vancouver and the Canucks.
For the Canadiens, a trade like this is not so much about the return but helping the player in the next chapter of their career. The Canadiens probably could ask for a late-round pick and call it a deal, but recently, Jeff Marek presented an interesting trade idea that could be a win-win for both franchises.
Should the Canadiens trade for Filip Chytil?
The Montreal Canadiens this offseason have to find another center for their Top 6, and while Filip Chytil shouldn't be the only answer, it presents enough upside that it might make sense. Chytil has only played 27 games over the past two seasons, but is not far removed from his 45-point season in 2022-23 with the New York Rangers.
Chytil would go from the Rangers to the Canucks in the JT Miller trade during the 2024-25 season, but concussions and facial fractures from a one-timer have cost him a lot of games. However, after the season, Chytil said he was feeling better and is '100% confident" he will be ready for training camp.
There are a couple of reasons a deal like this makes sense from the Canadiens' perspective. The first being that their window for a Stanley Cup is just opening, and they really don't need draft picks at this point.
For Kent Hughes, the focus needs to be on not mortgaging the future but also not adding to the future. They don't necessarily need draft picks, and especially draft picks that are likely to be late-round picks.
A move for Chytil works in terms of salary cap as well, with a total salary of only $3.75 million, and he has only one more year on his contract. The Canadiens may not gain as much cap relief in a trade like this, but they aren't taking on any unneeded salary with Gallagher's total salary at $4 million this season.
For the Canadiens, it gives them a low-risk, high-reward type player where, if Chytil is playing at his best, he can absolutely compete for that 2C spot. However, if injuries continue to be a problem or he doesn't bounce back, he is a healthy scratch at worst.
It is an interesting trade idea from Jeff Marek that ultimately could be the best move the Montreal Canadiens can make in a trade, including Brendan Gallagher.
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