Various NHL insiders are unanimous that Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens are preparing to complete a trade.
There is a reason that explains why 29-year-old Quebec native Samuel Blais was placed on NHL waivers, and it's precisely because Kent Hughes is preparing something else.
As reported by DansLesCoulisses, the Canadiens are preparing to complete a mid-season trade. However, Hughes wants to give himself as much flexibility as possible before he pounces.
"Kent Hughes has all the elements to do something big" - DLC
Samuel Blais leaving the Montreal Canadiens through waivers: Kent Hughes has a much bigger plan
Just as Kent Hughes did with the Nashville Predators and Alexandre Carrier last season, his plan is to complete an impactful trade during the season.
"They're positioning themselves to be ready to pounce on a trade target that's made available at any point this season," said an NHL source on the subject.
"Montreal is waiting for the market to shake loose. They have the trade assets, they needed the cap flexibility, and now they have that too. It's now a question of the right opportunity coming down." per Marco D'Amico, RG
"According to NHL league sources and long-time cap watchers, Montreal's management views December as the true opening of the trade season. And it's not by chance."
Clearly, Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens are putting themselves in a position to "be ready to pounce" if the right opportunity arises on the trade market.