When hockey expert Pierre LeBrun speaks, the Quebec hockey community pays attention. Recently, his insights in The Athletic have sent shockwaves through Montreal's hockey scene.

Forget about prioritizing a second-line center anymore. Kent Hughes, Montreal Canadiens' general manager, is now zeroing in on a top-6 winger—someone explosive who can elevate the offensive game.

LeBrun's suggested names are generating buzz: JJ Peterka and Bryan Rust, both of whom could shake things up in an exciting way.

Why the shift in strategy? Simply put, quality second-line centers are priced high, and the market is clogged. Teams are fiercely protective of their established centers, and the Canadiens refuse to go all-in on a player who may not significantly impact the team.

With this updated focus on wingers, LeBrun's analysis makes sense.

Jeff Gorton hinted at a broader perspective on team building: "There’s more than one way to achieve our goals." In other words, a strong winger can create a formidable line without having to secure a center.

And there’s good news for Montreal: reports suggest Kirby Dach is in peak form, potentially filling the second-line center role himself.

What if Dach truly is back at his best? Discussions around a player of his caliber could align perfectly with the Canadiens' new strategy. If Dach is healthy, he definitely can center a line and excel, as he was acquired specifically for that purpose.

So why chase a pricey center when they can surround Dach and Ivan Demidov with a game-changing winger?

This is where Peterka and Rust come into play.

At just 23, JJ Peterka is an electrifying prospect—aggressive in the offensive zones, capable of creating opportunities, and he’s eager for a fresh start away from Buffalo.

However, acquiring him won’t come cheap. Buffalo’s GM, Kevyn Adams, has rebuffed several offers and will demand a high price—potentially a star player like Cole Caufield or Juraj Slafkovsky to even consider shipping him out.

As the market heats up, Peterka's value keeps climbing, with other teams also vying for him, making this deal a complicated one for Hughes and the Canadiens.

On the other hand, Bryan Rust represents a solid backup plan. At 33 years old, while he may not possess the youthful explosiveness of Peterka, Rust is a reliable, versatile player contributing around 50-55 points each season.

He plays well in various situations, and his current contract at $5.125 million still has three years left—a steal in today’s market.

The Penguins might not be fully committed to trading him, but they know his value in the trade market as they prepare for their own rebuild.

While the Islanders are making moves to acquire Peterka, Hughes might need to act quickly to avoid being outmaneuvered.

Nonetheless, Hughes prefers to avoid making aggressive offers, as he doesn’t want to upset any relationships with fellow GMs. This reluctance could slow down Montreal's pursuit.

As a result, the Canadiens must find a way to create an opportunity for Demidov, who needs support from someone well-versed in North American hockey.

Ultimately, whether it’s Rust or Peterka, the goal remains the same: to enhance Ivan Demidov’s environment.

LeBrun has revealed a pivotal truth: Montreal's strategy has shifted dramatically, navigating a market that has become challenging and chaotic. Signing a stopgap like Mikael Granlund won’t suffice; the Canadiens are looking for an impactful winger to reshape their top-six.

As the Canadiens aim to build around Demidov, Dach, and Suzuki, they are looking for the perfect piece that ties everything together. Will it be Rust, Peterka, or someone entirely different? Regardless, one thing is clear: the Canadiens are on the move and actively pursuing options. The calls have been made, the offers are in play, and the excitement is palpable!