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Canadiens Forced to Alter Summer Plans as Three Top Center Targets Are Taken Off the Market
Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
We have an update regarding the NHL trade market and an interesting development for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens.
The Habs' general manager must now immediately remove three centermen from his list of potential acquisitions, following a recent statement from his counterpart Mathieu Darche.
The New York Islanders Remove Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat From the Trade Market: Two Targets Off Kent Hughes' List
This news comes from the excellent journalist Pierre LeBrun, who confirms the following:
"The new GM of the New York Islanders, Mathieu Darche, has informed his counterparts that centermen Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat are officially off the trade market and are staying on Long Island."
- Marco Normandin
- Marco Normandin
These were two centermen who were likely high on Kent Hughes' list and must now be ruled out.
"Darche has communicated with both star players that they're staying put. That's going to be disappointing for teams who were hoping to make offers on either.
I think Montreal would have probably been one of those teams. But keeping both Barzal and Horvat is part of Darche's decision to not undergo a massive, long-term rebuild. He sees a team that can compete for a playoff spot next year."
- Pierre Lebrun
I think Montreal would have probably been one of those teams. But keeping both Barzal and Horvat is part of Darche's decision to not undergo a massive, long-term rebuild. He sees a team that can compete for a playoff spot next year."
- Pierre Lebrun
All the details are in Pierre LeBrun's article, but yes, it will be a major challenge for Kent Hughes to find a strong second-line center this summer, someone to play behind Nick Suzuki and alongside young Ivan Demidov.
In addition to Barzal and Horvat, let's not forget a third centerman was also scratched off the list in recent days, as Brock Nelson signed a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche.
There are still a few options left, but expectations in this area may need to be tempered.
Previously on Habs Fanatics
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 3392 ANSWERS Canadiens Forced to Alter Summer Plans as Three Top Center Targets Are Taken Off the Market Would you have traded Michael Hage + the 16th and 17th picks of 2025 for Mathew Barzal? | ||
| Yes | 791 | 23.3 % |
| No | 2601 | 76.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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