Canadiens and Panthers trade in March: we are witnessing a perfect turnaround for Kent Hughes

The Montreal Canadiens are having a season above expectations, and that doesn't make some fans and pundits happy who wanted to see the team lose more in order to get the best possible pick in the 2023 NHL draft.

The organization has made a hilarious publication on this subject:

@canadiensmtl we're gonna give it our all 😌 we're gonna give it our all #GoHabsGo #ColeCaufield #KirbyDach #Titanic ♬ original sound - Fr3ddy.91

On the other hand, there is another important element that you should not forget.


The Canadiens also own the Florida Panthers' 2023 (unprotected) first-round pick, and contrary to what we thought at the beginning of the season, it could turn out to be a funky pick.


Obviously, we are still far from seeing this dream scenario come true, but as the mid-season approaches, we can still hope. (which is already a big deal in itself)

At the time of writing, the Habs are in 21st place in the NHL standings, just behind the Florida Panthers, who are 20th but with two more games on the books.

Imagine if the Panthers miss the playoffs and the pick they got in the Ben Chiarot trade actually becomes a lottery pick.

Chiarot was traded to the Florida Panthers for Ty Smilanic, a fourth round pick in 2022 and a first round pick in 2023.

That 2023 first round pick could be a home run for the Habs, especially since the upcoming NHL draft promises to be the strongest in a very long time.

At the time of the trade, the Panthers were one of the two or three big powerhouse in the NHL, and it was believed that this would be a very late first round pick.

Finally, we see a turnaround and everything indicates that it could really become a top-10 pick. It's a big deal for the CH!


Now imagine the scenario if the Canadiens and Panthers first round picks were to be (both!) in the top 10. It would be incredible.

Moral of the story, we wanted to give you a little update on this important issue and we also wanted to remind you that it's far from serious if the CH wins.

The culture that develops in the locker room is far more important than a few spots in the draft, and anyway, thanks to Florida, our Canadiens are on track to be extremely well positioned in the 2023 draft either way.

Something to watch closely between now and the end of the season.

Credit: Marker.com