Former Canadiens scout is convinced that Kent Hughes will announce a trade soon
Former Montreal Canadiens scout, known for his insider talent and journalism within the professional hockey world, Grant McCagg, is convinced that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will soon make a trade, according to his sources.
We know that
Kent Hughes has tried, but the demands from other teams were too high. We also know that Hughes has negotiated to try to finalize some significant trades - the Canadiens had a trade in place to acquire Trevor Zegras - but we are still waiting for a key player to complete the top-6 of the Montreal organization for the 2024-2025 season.
Nevertheless, here's some encouraging news for the team's fans.
Former Canadiens scout Grant McCagg is still certain that Kent Hughes will announce a trade very soon
During his appearance on Tony Marinaro's podcast, Grant McCagg was adamant. According to his gathered information, it's just a matter of a few days!
According to McCagg, the two best targets for Kent Hughes right now are Patrik Laine and
Rutger McGroarty.
After all, it makes sense, as these are two players who will likely be traded before the regular season begins.
The first has outright requested a trade, while the second has stated he doesn't want to sign with the Winnipeg Jets. Therefore, they'll have to trade him; otherwise, they'll lose his rights with no return.
Why hasn't Kent Hughes announced a trade yet, even though he's interested in certain players?
For a trade to be worthwhile, it's a matter of opportunities and timing. Right now, the asking price is too high. When a player's value drops, the offers are fewer. The team then decides to lower its demands, offering an excellent return on investment. Remember the Alex Kovalev trade!
"Kent Hughes never overpays for a player, and the reason he hasn't traded for one of the available forwards might be because his counterparts are still asking too much."
- Raphaël Simard
Furthermore, McCagg could be right if Kent Hughes takes advantage of the Edmonton Oilers' misfortunes to make a trade with them, allowing them to clear some cap space. Recently, the St. Louis Blues made an offer sheet for two young Oilers talents,
Philip Broberg and
Dylan Holloway. The salary cap situation is putting the Oilers in hot water.
This was exactly what was discussed yesterday. (Offer Sheet: A Trade Between the Canadiens and Oilers Involving
Cody Ceci)
We should have an answer within a few days.
POLL |
AOUT 14 | 285 ANSWERS Former Canadiens scout is convinced that Kent Hughes will announce a trade soon Which player do you want to see with the Habs for the 2024-2025 season? |
Patrik Laine | 58 | 20.4 % |
Rutger McGroarty | 126 | 44.2 % |
Kristopher Letang | 17 | 6 % |
Trevor Zegras | 84 | 29.5 % |
List of polls |