A deal to come for Hughes and the Canadiens? Here is the element that Hughes is actively trying to acquire

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Jeff Drouin
October 20, 2022 (7:34)

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After a surprising first win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening game at the Bell Centre, the Canadiens had a rather difficult weekend, as Martin St-Louis' men suffered two straight losses on the road, but came back with a very big win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

We must admit that, at times, the defense had its share of problems, especially in the 3-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

Without the performance of goaltender Jake Allen, the score could have been very different and it is even more difficult with the absence of two defensive pillars, Joel Edmundson and Michael Matheson.

Both veterans will be out for a few more weeks and it's becoming increasingly clear that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will have to look for reinforcements as the defensive situation could get worse. At least that's what TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie said.

During his appearance on the JiC show, hosted by Jean-Charles Lajoie, Lavoie said that Matheson's absence could be the first domino in a series of other dominoes within the team.

"The injury to Mike Matheson, I hope people realize how much it hurts. It hurts for the learning of the young guys. David Savard and Chris Wideman are the only two who are able to spend time with the young guys and help them. You need Mike Matheson and Joel Edmundson."

Even though Guhle, Harris and Xhekaj have played some good hockey so far this season, Lavoie believes the Habs' staff will have no choice but to move sooner or later.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out. I'm convinced that, at some point, Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes won't have a choice. We're going to have to give this group some help."

Lavoie does seem convinced that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will eventually make a move to pick up a defenseman and to come in and "give this group some help."

With the inexperience of the Habs' defensive brigade, there will certainly be down times during the season, but I agree with what the reporter said. If the injury situation doesn't improve in the next few weeks, the season could be very long for the tricolore, a scenario that fans experienced in 2021-2022.

Speaking of a possible trade coming to Montreal, TSN's excellent tipster Darren Dreger mentioned the exact same thing last night on his Insider Trading segment.

According to him, the Montreal Canadiens' general manager is currently actively looking for a right-handed defenseman, on the trade market.

Don't be surprised if an announcement confirms this soon. Stay tuned!