Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton just missed a golden opportunity

Obvious targets include Trevor Zegras and Martin Necas, who have been hot topics for weeks. Other names like Cole Perfetti, Marco Rossi, Patrik Laine, and others are also in the mix.

If Hughes can't land one of these players, there's always the less costly option of Kaapo Kakko.

However, this option is now off the table. The Rangers' first pick in 2019, second overall, has just signed a one-year contract extension.

This deal is worth $2.4 million for the number 24.

It's quite surprising, as even New York journalists mentioned that his departure seemed inevitable.

If Kakko was part of the Canadiens' plans, Hughes will have to come up with a new strategy.

It could have been a golden opportunity to acquire a young, talented player who is still finding his way.