Montreal Canadiens linked to defenseman targets amid roster search

The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly searching for a right-shot defenseman to bolster their roster for the 2025-26 NHL season. Analyst Anthony Di Marco has linked the team to Philadelphia Flyers player Rasmus Ristolainen and potentially Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs as potential trade targets.

In terms of existing roster construction, defenseman Kaiden Guhle is viewed as a complementary piece to Lane Hutson. While Guhle is not a right-shot player, his physical style and defensive reliability are seen as a strong match for Hutson's finesse-based game. General manager Kent Hughes continues to evaluate how to build a top-four defensive unit around these core players.