Canadiens' Kent Hughes Reportedly Planning Early-Season Move for Top-Six Forward
As the Canadiens' first game is in less than 48 hours, rumors are already heating up again around Kent Hughes.
Two sources well-connected to the Canadiens' activities, Darren Dreger and Marc-Olivier Beaudoin, added fuel to the fire this week by suggesting that the GM is still looking to acquire a second center to complement the young Ivan Demidov.
Dreger, on the Barn Burner podcast, mentioned that Hughes had not abandoned this idea:
"I think Canadiens GM Kent Hughes.. he's gonna try and do something, he's still looking for that Number 2 center"
- Darren Dreger
- Darren Dreger
On his side, Marc-Olivier Beaudoin also confirmed on X that the Canadiens' interest remains very real, even on the eve of the season opener.
Kent Hughes would keep an eye on struggling teams
Indeed, Beaudoin adds that the first weeks of the season could be decisive for a potential trade.
According to him, some teams that start poorly might be tempted to trade established players quickly, especially because of the "Gavin McKenna Derby" and the many young talents expected in the next draft.
"It's not because the season starts tomorrow that Kent Hughes has abandoned the idea of getting his hands on a 2nd center to play with Ivan Demidov.
The teams that start the season poorly will throw in the towel more quickly because of the "derby" Gavin McKenna (and the few other top prospects available at the draft) and KH will be on the lookout!" - Marc-Olivier Beaudoin
The teams that start the season poorly will throw in the towel more quickly because of the "derby" Gavin McKenna (and the few other top prospects available at the draft) and KH will be on the lookout!" - Marc-Olivier Beaudoin
I believe this theory makes a lot of sense. In my opinion, Hughes could simply be waiting for the right moment to strike, especially if teams want to sell early.
And if a top-six caliber center becomes available, there's no doubt the Canadiens will be on the hunt.
I think it's a cautious and smart approach. The Canadiens want to progress without rushing their rebuild and making a mistake.
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