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Canadiens and Blackhawks become ideal trade partners for a veteran top-six forward

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Sam Walker
December 4, 2025 (4:11 PM)

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Injuries have battered the forward group of the Montreal Canadiens, and suddenly a potential link to the Chicago Blackhawks makes more sense than ever.

With several top-six forwards now sidelined, Montreal might circle back to a trade target from Chicago to plug the gap at center and wing.

The Canadiens are currently without former Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach due to a gruesome injury, as well as Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine-all of whom were projected as key contributors for this season.

Dach is expected to miss four to six weeks with a fractured foot.

Newhook requires four months to recover from ankle surgery.

Laine is out for three to four months after core muscle surgery. That trio of absences leaves major holes in Montreal's top-six structure and creates an urgent need for dependable forward help.

That's where Jason Dickinson enters the picture. During a recent episode of a podcast, TSN analyst Travis Yost singled out Dickinson as a viable center target for Montreal.

"This group has real juice in the top six," Yost said about the Blackhawks' center group. "This is not going to be a playoff team. Does Jason Dickinson make a ton of sense for the Blackhawks long-term? I think that's an interesting question. He's definitely a capable third-line center. He immediately improves Montreal if he comes into Montreal."

At 30 years old and nearing unrestricted free agency, Dickinson offers experience and two-way value; in 2023-24 he posted 22 goals, 35 points and logged

Why Dickinson fits Montreal's pressing needs

If acquired, Dickinson could slot into the Canadiens' middle six and stabilize the lineup while Dach, Newhook, and Laine recover.

His defensive awareness and penalty-kill credentials would also add structure to a Montreal forward group that's been pushed into flux.

Chicago may be open to moving Dickinson given their current rebuild mode and his contract status.

For Montreal, a rental or short-term solution makes sense with an eye toward protecting prospects and future flexibility. At a minimum, bringing in a veteran forward could keep the team afloat while top-six players return.

Time will tell whether general manager Kent Hughes pulls the trigger on a move for Dickinson or holds off for longer-term reinforcements.

With the Canadiens already facing a deep injury hole up front, the pressure is mounting on management to find capable fillers.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Los Angeles gets a big boost as Drew Doughty returns against the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday

Maple Leafs eyeing Blackhawks' 770-game veteran defenseman as Brandon Carlo replacement

Chicago Blackhawks send defenseman to the AHL: A move that should be in play for Sam Rinzel

POLL
DECEMBRE 4 \| 145 ANSWERS Canadiens and Blackhawks become ideal trade partners for a veteran top-six forward Should the Canadiens trade for Jason Dickinson given their injury situation?
Yes, get him now	72	49.7 %
No, wait for better option	34	23.4 %
Only if cheap	23	15.9 %
No trade at all	16	11 %
List of polls

Canadiens and Blackhawks become ideal trade partners for a veteran top-six forward

Injuries have battered the forward group of the Montreal Canadiens, and suddenly a potential link to the Chicago Blackhawks makes more sense than ever.

Should the Canadiens trade for Jason Dickinson given their injury situation?