The hockey world is reeling after a jaw-dropping day in Montreal that may go down as one of the most seismic shifts in the modern era of the NHL. In a stunning turn of events, the Montreal Canadiens have traded away their star winger Cole Caufield in a blockbuster deal that has left fans speechless and insiders scrambling for answers. But that’s not the only bombshell dropping out of Quebec — internal documents leaked earlier this morning suggest that the Canadiens’ ownership group is on the verge of a major shakeup, possibly ending decades of stability for one of the league’s most storied franchises.
The Caufield trade, confirmed late last night by multiple sources and officially announced by the Canadiens this morning, sends the 24-year-old goal scorer to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a package that includes elite defensive prospect Pavel Mintyukov, a 2025 first-round pick, and winger Troy Terry. Caufield, who had expressed frustrations behind closed doors with the direction of the team following another disappointing season, will now join a rising young core in Anaheim.
For Canadiens fans, this is a devastating blow. Caufield was not only the team’s top offensive weapon but a fan favorite whose flair and finishing ability had become the cornerstone of a rebuilding franchise. Many believed he would wear the captain’s “C” one day. Now, after just four seasons, he’s gone — and the aftershocks are just beginning.
While the hockey move itself has dominated headlines, a far more ominous narrative is developing behind the scenes. According to leaked internal emails and confidential documents obtained by a Montreal-based investigative reporter, Molson family ownership may be preparing to sell a controlling stake in the franchise. The documents reference secret meetings with unnamed American investors and outline potential relocation clauses and arena rights negotiations, triggering fears of a looming corporate overhaul.
Social media exploded with the leaks, with the hashtag #SaveTheHabs trending across Canada within hours. Fans gathered outside the Bell Centre demanding transparency from team president Geoff Molson, whose silence only fueled speculation. Sources close to the situation claim that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been briefed on the potential ownership transfer and is monitoring the situation closely.
For now, the Canadiens organization has issued a brief and vague statement: “We are committed to the long-term success of the Montreal Canadiens and will continue to make decisions that align with our vision for the future.” The statement neither confirms nor denies the reported meetings or the intent to sell.
Meanwhile, insiders say locker room morale has hit rock bottom, with some veterans considering requesting trades. Young players reportedly feel “blindsided and abandoned,” and team personnel are bracing for additional front office turnover in the coming weeks.
It’s a moment of historic upheaval in Montreal. What started as a shocking trade has now spiraled into one of the biggest stories in hockey. As fans grapple with the departure of a superstar and whispers of ownership change grow louder, one thing is clear — the Montreal Canadiens as we know them are no longer the same. And this could just be the beginning.