GM of The Montreal Canadiens Kent Hughes reportedly working on a ‘significant’ trade

Kent Hughes has seen increased activity on the NHL trade market lately after a slow start to the summer. He recently traded for Patrik Laine and reportedly declined a deal involving Jacob Fowler and Yaroslav Askarov.

Sources, including Marco D’Amico from RG, suggest that Hughes isn’t finished and aims to secure another significant player for his roster. The Canadiens have made it clear they’re not interested in lateral moves and are focused on making clear improvements in key positions.

It remains uncertain who might be traded from the Canadiens, but David Savard appears to be a likely candidate. With his contract expiring and free agency looming on July 1, Hughes may look to maximize Savard’s value before the trade deadline, especially if an extension isn’t in the cards.

With young defensemen like Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, and Justin Barron earning spots on the roster, the team is facing a surplus in that area. However, trading Savard could be a difficult decision, given his leadership and mentorship role for the younger players, especially as Mailloux and Hutson are expected to join the main lineup.

Hughes seems intent on enhancing the team, with ongoing rumors suggesting a focus on adding an offensive forward. To do this while retaining Savard, he may need to utilize his prospects or draft picks. The Canadiens are not at the beginning of a rebuild anymore, holding 12 picks in the upcoming draft, seven of which are in the first three rounds, indicating that several of these picks may be traded.

Mathieu Paradis from TSLH speculates whether Arthur Kaliyev from the Kings could be of interest to the Canadiens, as there have been previous links between Kaliyev and the Montreal organization.

This situation will be worth monitoring in the weeks ahead!