Five players are targeted by Kent Hughes in the trade market, including a very interesting surprise

Journalist Marc-Antoine Godin initially believes that forwards Alex Newhook, from the Avalanche, and Alexis Lafrenière, from the Rangers, could catch the attention of the CH's general manager, as they will become restricted free agents as of July 1st.

Despite their great potential, these two young forwards have not yet met expectations with their respective teams. A parallel can therefore be drawn with the trade that brought Kirby Dach to Montreal.

Newhook has scored 30 points (14 goals) in 82 games in his second NHL campaign. Lafrenière, on the other hand, has scored 16 goals and collected 39 points in 81 games this season. However, he went scoreless in seven playoff games.

The third target identified by Godin is forward Josh Bailey, from the New York Islanders.

33 years old, Bailey is a 15-season NHL veteran who could provide some offensive support as well as a good dose of experience to the CH.

He currently has two seasons left on the six-year contract, worth five million dollars per season, that he signed in 2018. He also scored 25 points in 64 games during the 2022-23 season.

Defensemen Sean Walker and Alex Goligoski then complete the list established by Godin.

Walker, a 28-year-old right-handed defenseman playing with the Los Angeles Kings, scored 13 points in 70 games last season. He could provide valuable services to the Canadiens on the second or third defensive pair.

Goligoski, for his part, is 37 years old and has long been recognized as a power play specialist. However, he showed signs of slowing down last season with only six points in 46 games.

Credit : HABSolument Fan