Kent Hughes about to make another major acquisition: A clue suggests he's gearing up for another big move

In a little over two years as general manager of the Canadiens, Kent Hughes has come a long way. In total, he has completed 28 transactions, acquiring five first-round picks in the process.

It's quite phenomenal when you think about it. A rebuilding team looking to rebuild through the draft couldn't ask for a better scenario.

In the next two years alone, the GM will have 24 picks to make, including four in the first round. But that could change.

Teams have a limit of 50 possible NHL contracts, which sometimes forces them to make tougher choices. In Kent Hughes' case, he has proven in recent years that he is not afraid to sacrifice picks to acquire promising young players, like Alex Newhook, for example.


Here is the list of picks for the next three years:



There's a lot of talk about Trevor Zegras and his connection to the Canadiens is easy to make, but Hughes has accustomed us to pulling off unexpected transactions, rather than confirming the rumors that are circulating.

Rest assured, he will do everything in his power to complete another transaction aimed at bringing in a young player with high potential, either before or during the draft.

However, we really can't know who his target will be. Will he try to move up in the first round, or will he trade a defenseman to acquire a Kirby Dach, or will he exchange two picks for an Alex Newhook?

We'll find out in the coming months, but one thing is certain: maintaining the status quo would be very surprising, especially on offense. I expect nothing less than another coup from him, and the best-connected insiders seem to agree on that.