NHL Executive Leaks a Trade Kent Hughes Is Expected to Finalize in June
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The trade deadline was, to say the least, quiet for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens. While many expected a major hockey trade, nothing ultimately materialized.
However, this might just be a temporary delay, as behind the scenes in the NHL, reports suggest that Kent Hughes was very active last Friday.
In a recent article by Marco D'Amico for the site RG.org, a league executive stated that he would be stunned if the Canadiens did not make a trade this summer.
This Was Not the Right Time for Kent Hughes
According to D'Amico's source, the trade deadline was not an opportune time for Kent Hughes to make a move.
But the upcoming summer will be one to watch, and it could make a big splash.
"The trade deadline is not the time to build your team.
There's a bidding war for every player.
They tried to see what they could do, but with so few sellers, the prices were too high.
I'd be stunned if the Canadiens didn't make a trade this summer to acquire a mid-20s center, especially with the arrival of young phenom Ivan Demidov next season.
From what I hear, team management believes that's the missing piece to the lineup to make the playoffs.
It's much easier to acquire a Top-6 center under contract in the summer than at the trade deadline."
- An NHL executive
There's a bidding war for every player.
They tried to see what they could do, but with so few sellers, the prices were too high.
I'd be stunned if the Canadiens didn't make a trade this summer to acquire a mid-20s center, especially with the arrival of young phenom Ivan Demidov next season.
From what I hear, team management believes that's the missing piece to the lineup to make the playoffs.
It's much easier to acquire a Top-6 center under contract in the summer than at the trade deadline."
- An NHL executive
Additionally, Kent Hughes appears to have initiated discussions (last Friday) that could lead to a trade this summer.
The Montreal Canadiens Are Definitely Looking to Improve Their Center Depth
The source is clear: the price to improve on March 7 was extremely high.
The Canadiens were actively looking to strengthen their center depth before the trade deadline.
But with half of the league's teams doing the same, it didn't help Kent Hughes in his efforts.
"Almost every potential NHL playoff team was looking for help at center, and the options were very limited.
Did you see the prices paid for Nelson, Laughton, and the other centers available just before the deadline?
Those were very high prices because desperation is greater at this time of year."
- An NHL executive
Did you see the prices paid for Nelson, Laughton, and the other centers available just before the deadline?
Those were very high prices because desperation is greater at this time of year."
- An NHL executive
With Kirby Dach not performing at center and Alex Newhook definitely not being a Top-6 player, they certainly need to find a solution.
Especially since the Habs need to properly surround Ivan Demidov for his NHL debut..
Options like Jordan Kyrou, Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and possibly even Elias Pettersson could be interesting.
| POLL | ||
MARS 14 | 2819 ANSWERS NHL Executive Leaks a Trade Kent Hughes Is Expected to Finalize in June Which of the 4 names suggested would you go after? | ||
| Jordan Kyrou | 531 | 18.8 % |
| Trevor Zegras | 523 | 18.6 % |
| Mason McTavish | 1113 | 39.5 % |
| Elias Pettersson | 652 | 23.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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