Major trade concluded Monday involving Bo Horvat: further proof that Kent Hughes made a very good move

Bo Horvat was traded to the Islanders for Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty, and a protected first round pick in 2023.

Of course, many observers, especially those who follow the Montreal Canadiens closely, compared this trade with the one completed by Kent Hughes last season.

There is an important difference:

Veteran Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello did find a way to add a condition to his first-round pick, even if he acquired all-star Bo Horvat.

If the Islanders' pick is a top-12 pick, the Canucks will get the Islanders' 2024 first round pick.

Recall that last season, Kent Hughes traded Ben Chiarot to the Florida Panthers for:

- Young Ty Smilanic

- A fourth round pick in 2022

and

- A first round pick in 2023 UNPROTECTED.

It's amazing to realize that Hughes was able to get an unprotected pick for the rest of Ben Chiarot's season, while the Vancouver Canucks GM was not able to do the same for a star player like Bo Horvat (who has 54 points in 49 games this season)

Another proof that Kent Hughes is very solid as a GM so far.

With this solid move by Hughes, the Montreal Canadiens are hopeful that the Panthers 2023 pick will be a "lottery" pick.

Credit: Marker.com