Ryan O'Reilly traded to Canadiens after Chris Kreider signing in blockbuster proposal

The Montreal Canadiens might not be done adding pieces before the 2026-27 season kicks off, and a familiar name is back in the trade conversation.

Ryan O'Reilly has once again been connected to the Habs, and this time the fit makes a lot of sense on paper.

The Score's Josh Wegman floated O'Reilly as the perfect number two center to line up behind Nick Suzuki, and it's easy to see why.

The Predators have had a rocky offseason full of head scratching decisions, and O'Reilly's name keeps surfacing as a player who could be on the move if things start slipping in Nashville early on.

O'Reilly is entering the final season of his deal at $4.5 million, and while he doesn't carry formal trade protection, he was reportedly given an informal understanding last year that he'd have a say in any trade the team proposed.

Whether that arrangement carries into this season remains to be seen, especially if Predators GM Chris MacFarland decides he needs to start moving pending free agents for future assets.

Montreal already made a notable addition this offseason in Chris Kreider, but GM Kent Hughes hasn't shied away from upgrading the middle of the lineup when the right opportunity comes along.

Nashville isn't expected to contend in 2026-27, and O'Reilly isn't viewed as a long term piece for a rebuild.

Moving him now, rather than waiting for the deadline, could net a better return while his value is still high coming off a 74 point season a year ago.

For a Canadiens team some believe could push for a playoff spot, adding a proven veteran down the middle would check a major box before the puck even drops.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Alex Galchenyuk takes teammate's blasted shot to the face in frightening KHL scene