The offseason is officially in full swing, with the NHL Entry Draft done and free agency beginning. The Montreal Canadiens were able to select Ivan Demidov, one of the finest offensive prospects in the draft. However, the Habs have been quiet to begin the free agent period. This should not come as a surprise, though. It was expected that if the Habs made any moves, they would do it through trade. This takes us to today’s rumour, which states that the Habs are interested in Rutger McGroarty, the Winnipeg Jets’ top prospect.

NHL Rumor: Habs Eyeing Top Prospect

During the draft, Chris Johnston said that the Canadiens had discussions with the Jets regarding McGroarty. Johnston notes that the talks were not directly about their fifth overall pick in the draft, but there were discussions. Eric Engels of Sportsnet has now reiterated that he expects talks between the two teams will resume this summer and that a trade between the two clubs is possible.

McGroarty joining the Habs just makes sense.

The Canadiens are starving for offense. The squad ended 27th in goals last season; outside of the top line, the offense was nonexistent. As a result, there are rumors that they are looking to add to their offense. McGroarty is undoubtedly the type of player that can help. McGroarty was a powerhouse for the University of Michigan this season, tallying 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games.

Landing McGroarty will not come cheap.

If the Habs are able to sign McGroarty, it will cost them. The Jets are looking for players who can assist now. They are in need of defensive help and might use a middle-six forward after losing Sean Monahan to free agency. The Canadiens have a lot of young NHL-ready defenders that they might package with a young forward and possibly one of their two first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Logan Mailloux, Justin Barron, and Jordan Harris come to mind. Two of them are former first-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 NHL Entry Drafts.