Kent Hughes' Backup Plan if the Noah Dobson Trade Collapsed Has Been Revealed
Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens had a backup plan at the draft if the Noah Dobson trade didn't go through, and that plan involved another highly sought-after young defenseman.
Behind the scenes in the NHL, we often learn that some trades hang by a thread and that the smallest detail can immediately derail everything.
Fortunately for Kent Hughes and Canadiens fans, they managed to get their hands on Noah Dobson.
According to Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports, Kent Hughes had already prepared a plan B in case that deal didn't work out.
The Canadiens' GM had then shown strong interest in Radim Mrtka, a right-shot defenseman drafted ninth overall.
"Kent Hughes had a contingency plan to move up in the draft if he couldn't get his hands on Dobson.
The Canadiens had shown strong interest in right-shot defenseman Radim Mrtka, who was ultimately selected 9th." - Nicolas Cloutier
The Canadiens had shown strong interest in right-shot defenseman Radim Mrtka, who was ultimately selected 9th." - Nicolas Cloutier
Kent Hughes had a clear plan B for the Montreal Canadiens
This parallel scenario really gives you something to think about.
The idea was simple: if the deal for Dobson failed, the Habs would have tried to draft Mrtka, a very promising defenseman who had already caught the attention of several scouts at the time.
I believe this plan B mostly proves that Hughes had done his homework and that he was absolutely determined to improve the right side of his defense.
It goes without saying that I'm very happy with Dobson's arrival. He is already well established in the NHL.
In fact, the defenseman from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, recorded 39 points in 71 games last season with the Islanders.
Over his career, he already has 230 points in 388 games, including 50 goals.
This is exactly the kind of stability the Canadiens wanted to obtain.
One thing is certain: the Montreal Canadiens made the right decision in securing Dobson, but it's fascinating to learn that another path was possible.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 544 ANSWERS Kent Hughes' Backup Plan if the Noah Dobson Trade Collapsed Has Been Revealed Do you think Radim Mrtka would have had the same impact as Noah Dobson in Montreal within 3 years? | ||
| Yes | 122 | 22.4 % |
| No | 422 | 77.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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