Rival Leafs Players the Montreal Canadiens Could Pursue in Free Agency
The Toronto Maple Leafs have suffered another heartbreaking playoff exit, which could mark the end of their current core group. Several of their notable players are heading into free agency this offseason, including star winger Mitchell Marner, who is expected to seek a contract north of $10 million annually. Nearly every NHL team will have interest in him — the Montreal Canadiens included.
That said, the chances of Montreal landing Marner are slim. After facing intense scrutiny during his time in Toronto, Marner may opt for a smaller market with less pressure. While he’s likely out of reach, the Canadiens could still explore more attainable options from their division rivals. Here’s a look at which Leafs free agents Montreal might realistically target.
Potential Toronto Targets for Montreal
John Tavares
The former Leafs captain signed a major contract to join Toronto, but his time there hasn’t lived up to expectations. At 34, Tavares may prioritize a shot at a Stanley Cup over another big payday. Following his recent demotion from the captaincy and Toronto’s ongoing playoff disappointments, a fresh start could appeal to him.
Montreal is in dire need of a solid second-line center. Neither Kirby Dach nor Alex Newhook has shown the offensive consistency to support Nick Suzuki, and Christian Dvorak is likely leaving in free agency. Tavares would be an ideal addition, offering leadership and creating a formidable 1-2 punch down the middle. Still producing at a point-per-game pace, he could thrive alongside young talents like Ivan Demidov and potentially Patrik Laine.
The Canadiens are unlikely to repeat Toronto’s mistake of overpaying. But if they can land Tavares for a more reasonable salary — somewhere in the $7–8 million range — the move could make sense. Whether he sees Montreal as a team capable of contending will likely determine his interest.
Nick Robertson
Some Habs fans have floated the idea of extending an offer sheet to Leafs forward Matthew Knies, but with Marner and Tavares possibly leaving, Toronto would match nearly any bid for him. A more realistic option might be Nick Robertson — a talented but underutilized RFA. Despite high expectations, Robertson hasn’t been given much opportunity to thrive with the Leafs, often stuck on the bench or in limited roles.
A change of scenery could benefit both sides. For Montreal, Robertson would be a low-risk addition to the middle six. He may lack size, but his skill set is undeniable, and his production has been respectable given his circumstances. A modest offer sheet could be enough to lure him away, assuming the Leafs even extend a qualifying offer. However, the Habs have already taken chances on underachieving young players like Dach and Newhook — and may prefer a more established presence this time around.
Max Pacioretty
One of the surprise standouts for Toronto in the 2025 playoffs, Max Pacioretty turned back the clock and showed flashes of his prime. Now set to hit free agency, a return to Montreal — where he once served as captain — isn’t out of the question. The Canadiens are looking for additional scoring depth, and a healthy Pacioretty could provide that.
Though injuries have hampered him in recent seasons and his speed has declined, he remains an effective offensive player in a limited role. He could be a valuable piece on the Canadiens’ second power play unit and middle-six.
While Pacioretty’s departure from Montreal was marred by tension with former management — a situation that eventually led to him being traded for current captain Nick Suzuki — the front office has since changed. With most of his former teammates gone, a short-term, low-cost deal could make a reunion both feasible and beneficial.
