It's now confirmed for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens

Indeed, there's no question of skipping steps and trying to finish the rebuild too early. The Canadiens have a solid plan, and despite the pressure, the management has decided to stick to this plan to the letter.

Insider David Pagnotta confirmed that Hughes will certainly try to make another acquisition like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook this year. He will be a buyer, no doubt about that.

However, don't expect a major signing in the free-agent market or a massive trade involving several prospects from the organization.

The reason is quite simple: there are only two players becoming unrestricted free agents without compensation this year, Tanner Pearson and Chris Wideman. It's next summer when the timing will be more favorable, with Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, and contracts ending, like Jake Allen and Jeff Petry.

The names that come up are those of Trevor Zegras and Martin Necas, but in both cases, the price to pay would be higher than what Kent Hughes would want to pay during a rebuild.

We'll see, but if there's no transaction completed to free up salary, it will be difficult for the Canadiens to take on a big contract.

Source The Fourth Period
Canadiens aim to add offense this summer