The Montreal Canadiens might need to make a move. As the offseason continues, general manager Kent Hughes has been evaluating ways to bolster his lineup, particularly down the middle. A fresh trade possibility has surfaced, with one analyst pointing to a player who could provide immediate help without requiring a blockbuster deal.
A New Trade Possibility
Ken MacMillan of The Hockey Writers recently named the Calgary Flames as one of three teams the Canadiens could trade with during the preseason, singling out Morgan Frost as an ideal fit. Frost, a 27-year-old center, is coming off a career year in Calgary, recording 22 goals and 43 points in 82 games while winning nearly 57% of his faceoffs. He is entering the final season of a contract with a $4.375 million cap hit, after which he can become an unrestricted free agent.
Montreal's search for help down the middle has lingered through the offseason. The club has an established No. 1 center, but a secondary proven option would give the Canadiens more flexibility behind him. Frost fits that lane, especially given his production and relatively low acquisition cost compared to some of the higher-end centers linked to the French club this summer.
A Look at Frost's Value
Frost's 22 goals last season set a career high, and his 43 points marked another productive campaign. He played all 82 games, demonstrating his reliability and durability. Calgary signed him to a two-year, $8.75 million contract in July 2025, with an average annual value of $4.375 million. The cap hit of Frost's expiring deal is manageable for Montreal, and an acquiring team would take on only one guaranteed season before deciding whether a longer commitment makes sense.
That flexibility gives Kent Hughes an escape route if Frost does not prove to be a long-term answer. The financial structure, coupled with Frost's proven middle-six style, makes the idea more appealing for a team that wants to compete now while keeping its long-term assets intact.
Calgary's Willingness to Deal
There are signs the Flames could at least listen. The Hockey News reported on July 18 that NHL insider David Pagnotta said rival teams were continuing to check in with Calgary, with Frost remaining among the names generating interest. 'Morgan Frost's name still out there,' Pagnotta said, as reported by the outlet.
Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco also reported earlier in the offseason that Calgary was with listening on most of its roster as the organization moved toward a rebuild. He identified Frost as a valuable trade chip because reliable centers remain in demand. Calgary acquired Frost to Edward from the Philadelphia Flyers in January 2025 as part of the four-player deal, and his breakout season since then increases his trade value.
A Deal Possible Without a Huge Price
Montreal has the prospect pool and draft capital to enter trade discussions without dismantling the young core that drove last season's playoff run. The question, as some reports suggest, is how highly Kent Hughes values Frost as a potentially middle-six answer and whether Calgary's asking price reflects a player entering the final year of his deal.
Both centered reports from Heavy and The Times of India note that Montreal could add an experienced middle-six center without making a major investment. The Canadiens already have a clear top option down the middle, but adding another strong center would give depth and flexibility. The Hockey News examined a potential trade in July, pointing to Montreal's center need and Calgary's rebuild, and returned to Frost on Aug. 12, calling him an 'intriguing' target and a viable addition.
Perspectives
MacMillan and Hockey Writers see Frost as a strong fit for the Canadiens, offering a cost-effective solution to a lingering need. The Times reports note a cautious optimism, emphasizing the manageable contract and immediate depth while questioning whether a trade would actually materialize given the Flames' desire to hold onto a player who has produced a career season.