Jeff Marek links veteran sniper to the Canadiens to replace Patrik Laine

Despite the Canadiens' excellent start to the season, the issue of the second-line center still hasn't been resolved-and now a well-known insider has linked a former elite NHL scorer to the Canadiens.

During a recent episode of the Sekeres & Price podcast, Jeff Marek stated that Kent Hughes should take an interest in acquiring Steven Stamkos.

According to Marek, the Nashville Predators forward would be an excellent option to replace Patrik Laine, who will be out for an extended period.

The journalist's suggestion came after a rumor linking the 35-year-old veteran to the Vancouver Canucks.

At the same time, this move would also resolve the second-line center issue-at least in the short term.

Even though the idea seems appealing on paper, bringing Steven Stamkos to Montreal wouldn't necessarily be a viable solution for several reasons.

As mentioned earlier, his arrival would only solve the second-center position temporarily, while Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton's plan is to find a long-term forward.

Moreover, the former Tampa Bay Lightning star is off to a dreadful start this season, with only three goals and four points in 17 games.

For Kent Hughes and Predators GM Barry Trotz to reach an agreement, the latter would likely have to agree to retain part of Stamkos's salary, which is $8 million per year for the next two seasons.