Mathias Brunet reveals a trade that Kent Hughes has worked on in the past

At the 2022 NHL draft in Montreal, the Canadiens indeed had two first-round picks.

First, we're obviously talking about the 1st overall pick, which became Juraj Slafkovsky, but the CH also had the 26th overall pick (acquired from the Flames in the Tyler Toffoli trade in 2022), a pick that was used to select Filip Mesar.

In addition to the Kirby Dach transaction, the Montreal Canadiens' general manager also attempted another move on the 2022 draft floor.

So, there was clearly another player they really wanted to select, unless they were afraid of seeing Mesar drafted before the 26th pick? That would be quite surprising.

Did they want to move up to draft a youngster like Nathan Gaucher?

It must be said that at the time, Noah Ostlund's name was also heavily circulated in Montreal. Everything indicated that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton really liked him, and he was eventually drafted 16th overall.

One thing is certain, we can wonder if Filip Mesar was Kent Hughes' plan B.

Mesar, 20, collected 52 points in 45 games this season in the OHL, including 19 goals. He added 16 points in 10 playoff games, including one goal, but for now, we have to admit that he isn't really meeting expectations.

One thing is certain, it once again shows how active Kent Hughes is in the trade market. It bodes well for the draft in Las Vegas, where big names are circulating, and where the Canadiens once again have the 26th overall pick (in addition to a high first-round pick).

Via DansLesCoulisses - Mathias Brunet: le CH a tenté de monter à la fin de la première ronde en 2022

Hughes and Jeff Gorton have the assets to make moves this year, with several prospects and draft picks!