At 28 years old, Adam Gaudette saved his NHL career after playing in two games for the St. Louis Blues in the 2023-24 season. In the 2024-25 season with the Ottawa Senators, Gaudette recorded a career-high 19 goals and finished the season with 26 points.
Gaudette production for a fourth liner was a solid one for the Senators. Gaudette was used on the second powerplay unit and fit in well in Ottawa.
Despite having some struggles in 2025, Gaudette still was a solid player on a one-year, $775,000 contract. Now, Gaudette is an unrestricted free agent for the 2025 free agency, and there is one Senators rival that could be a threat to sign Gaudette.
Habs could target Hockey Gaud this Summer
The Montreal Canadiens are one of the Senators' biggest rivals. Both the Senators and Canadiens are on the rise after making the 2025 playoffs. The Senators made the playoffs for the first time since 2017; the Canadiens made the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Two days ago, Tristin McKinstry of ClutchPoints wrote an article titled "2 best Adam Gaudette destinations in 2025 NHL free agency." One of the two teams McKinstry named was the Canadiens. McKinstry named a big reason with how the Canadiens need center depth.
Montreal faces a challenge with having Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia and Michael Pezzetta all being unrestricted free agents this Summer. If Montreal doesn't sign one of them, that is where McKinstry can see Gaudette being a free agent target.
"Bringing in a veteran such as Adam Gaudette could help return the Habs to the postseason in 2026," McKinstry said.
Gaudette has been rumored to be linked to two other teams prior to the Canadiens being named. Gaudette has been linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers having interest in signing him.
Keeping Gaudette is something the Senators should consider with how they were able to get quality scoring for a fourth liner, but it's also important that they don't overpay. Gaudette's play in 2025 did take a dip when he scored six goals after scoring 13 goals in 2024.
In the 2025 playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Gaudette had two huge moments. Gaudette scored a game tying goal in Game 2 in the final minutes of the third period. Then, Gaudette forced a turnover and recorded the primary assist on Dylan Cozens' shorthanded goal to extend the Senators lead to 2-0 in Game 5 in the third period.
Gaudette's name will continue to be spreaded as free agency will be drawing closer for the solid production he can offer for a fourth liner. However, seeing Gaudette sign with a hated rival is something the Senators and their fans would make them sick.