We have finally learned which trade Hughes is currently working on, and a major announcement from the Canadiens is to be watched for early in the year
Photo credit: Nhl
The NHL's transaction freeze during the holiday season doesn't stop rumors from circulating.
Whether it's about Jake Allen or Cayden Primeau, as well as certain veterans like Sean Monahan, David Savard, and Tanner Pearson, there has been a lot of speculation lately.
Journalist David Pagnotta from TheFourthPeriod recently added to this when he mentioned that Kent Hughes might be somewhat of a buyer by the next trade deadline. A surprising angle, considering the CH is still in the midst of a rebuild and far from playoff contention.
"Although they are only two points away from the last playoff spot, the mandate in Montreal hasn't changed, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton remain focused on their long-term rebuilding goal. The Montreal management has indicated that they are ready to take on one or two contracts to facilitate a trade, if they are incentivized to do so, and they still have one retention slot open this season." - Via The Fourth Period
Reading Pagnotta's explanations, however, one better understands the reasons behind the CH management's decision to go in this direction. By taking an undesirable contract until the end of the campaign, the Hughes/Gorton duo has the chance to obtain another piece that will help in rebuilding their club.
In short, they are looking for another trade of the type "we receive a player and a first-round pick, in exchange for future considerations."
Among the candidates for such a trade, we can think of Anthony Mantha, Conor Garland, Jack Campbell, and... Jonathan Huberdeau?
As of today, and according to the site Cap Friendly, Kent Hughes can still take four contracts from other teams as he currently has 46 out of a possible 50. Approaching the limit, as the Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks are with 49 contracts, could however hinder the GM in future transactions.
Therefore, he will need to leave some leeway under these circumstances. As Pagnotta suggests, taking on 1 or 2 contracts makes sense.
Via Marqueur
Previously on HabsFanatics
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 24 | 1012 ANSWERS We have finally learned which trade Hughes is currently working on, and a major announcement from the Canadiens is to be watched for early in the year Would you like Kent Hughes to take on bad contracts + picks for future considerations? (Trade A-La Monahan) | ||
| Yes, absolutely | 542 | 53.6 % |
| No | 470 | 46.4 % |
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