Canadiens Sign Joe Veleno, Explore Kadri Malkin Trades

The Montreal Canadiens are actively seeking to bolster their center depth ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, with trade and signing rumors swirling around several players. Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames has emerged as a potential trade target, with reports suggesting he might waive his no-trade clause to join Montreal, although the Canadiens’ current interest remains uncertain. Another major trade idea involves acquiring veteran Evgeni Malkin from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for young forward Kirby Dach and a second-round pick, providing Montreal with a seasoned leader despite Malkin entering the final year of his contract. Additionally, the Canadiens have signed center Joe Veleno to a one-year, $900,000 contract, adding depth and versatility to their lineup; Veleno, a Montreal native, brings NHL experience from his time with Detroit, Chicago, and Seattle and is seen as a valuable two-way player. These moves reflect Montreal’s strategy to strengthen their second-line center position with a mix of experienced veterans and promising depth players as they prepare for a competitive campaign. The team’s pursuit of Kadri, Malkin, and the signing of Veleno highlights a concerted effort to address past gaps in scoring and playoff experience down the middle.