A Canadiens-Golden Knights trade proposal could solve Montreal’s biggest need

The Montreal Canadiens have been searching for a center for months.

The market for centermen is extremely tight right now. Very few are available, around a dozen teams are looking for one, and the asking prices are sky-high.

The Canadiens’ need is nothing new.

Finding a legitimate second-line center remains the organization’s top priority this summer. Which is why a temporary Plan B has been suggested.

Anthony Désaulniers of BPM Sports has proposed a trade between the Canadiens and the Golden Knights for William Karlsson.

The situation works in favor of such a deal.

Vegas desperately needs to clear salary cap space, and the Golden Knights have built a reputation for acting quickly in these situations.

Karlsson, however, carries the reputation of being injury-prone.

Limited to just 14 regular-season games in 2025-26, he still managed to record 9 points in 15 playoff contests.

Karlsson has already posted 78-point and 60-point seasons, proving he has legitimate offensive talent.

His all-around game is just as appealing.

He’s an outstanding defensive player and would be a true second-line center, capable of contributing on both the power play and the penalty kill-a luxury for any coach.

A one-year contract, like Karlsson’s current deal, would also leave the path clear for Michael Hage as early as next summer.

Karlsson is entering the final season of his contract, which carries a $5.9 million cap hit, without creating any long-term commitment.

None of this is official, and Vegas won’t give him away for free. But as a one-year solution, Karlsson checks a lot of boxes for Kent Hughes.