A trade completed by Hughes that looks like a possible jackpot so far, thanks to Mesar and Heineman

Everyone has their own opinion on Juraj Slafkovsky's recent performances, but there are three names that everyone agrees on among the young forwards. Three new young forwards who are having very solid camps, who are unanimously impressing both experts and fans.

We are talking about Filip Mesar, Emil Heineman, and of course, Owen Beck.

Even Martin St-Louis seems to be very impressed by their performances. The head coach has often mentioned the name of Emil Heineman in a press conference as a surprise player who could force his hand.

What is interesting here is that two of these three players were acquired in the same transaction.

While the deal that sent Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames was not initially a big hit, this trade seems to be a big hit for Kent Hughes (and that doesn't take anything away from Toffoli, who is much more valuable to the Flames right now).

Let's review the transaction in question:

Emil Heineman
+
Tyler Pitlick
+
A first round pick in 2022 (became Filip Mesar)
+
A fifth round pick in 2023

Tyler Toffoli

In hindsight, while Toffoli was extremely well liked in Montreal, one has to admit that Hughes possibly hit the nail on the head, especially if Heineman and Mesar continue to impress like this.

Looking back, do you like this trade more?

We might look back on this trade in three or four years, and realize that the CH acquired two very solid young hockey players.