Montreal Canadiens Reap Huge Reward as Kent Hughes Hits Trade Home Run
When Kent Hughes agreed to take on Sean Monahan's contract from the Calgary Flames, many observers praised the bold move.
In the summer of 2022, the Flames were desperately trying to clear cap space. Hughes, aware that his rebuilding team could absorb a burdensome salary, demanded a 2025 first-round pick in exchange for doing them this favor.
A calculated decision, which cost the Canadiens nothing but budget space without any real immediate sporting consequence.
Two years later, the ramifications of this decision are being felt in spectacular fashion. Monahan, revitalized in Montreal, regained his market value. Hughes took advantage of this resurgence to trade him to the Winnipeg Jets in return for a 2024 first-round pick.
That pick was then used strategically to move up in the first round and select Michael Hage, a young forward with considerable potential, destined to become a cornerstone of the Canadiens' future.
But the story doesn't end there. The famous 2025 first-round pick, obtained from the Flames at the time of the original Monahan acquisition, has just been transformed into a major acquisition.
Hughes used it this summer to convince the New York Islanders to part with their star defenseman Noah Dobson, a player already established as one of the best at his position in the NHL.
"A true masterstroke! 👏
August 18, 2022, the Canadiens acquire Sean Monahan from the Flames and also receive a conditional first-round pick in 2025 (in exchange for future considerations). Kent Hughes used this pick to acquire a certain Noah Dobson on June 27, 2025.
That's not all! February 2, 2024, Monahan heads to Winnipeg. The CH receives a conditional first-round pick in the 2024 draft. This pick became Michael Hage!
August 18, 2022, the Canadiens acquire Sean Monahan from the Flames and also receive a conditional first-round pick in 2025 (in exchange for future considerations). Kent Hughes used this pick to acquire a certain Noah Dobson on June 27, 2025.
That's not all! February 2, 2024, Monahan heads to Winnipeg. The CH receives a conditional first-round pick in the 2024 draft. This pick became Michael Hage!
The Acquisition of Sean Monahan: Kent Hughes' Masterstroke
Thus, what began as a simple contract absorption, seen as secondary, turned into a major operation that could shape the next decade. In summary: wisely used cap space, two first-round picks obtained, a future forward drafted, and an elite-caliber defenseman acquired.
There is now no doubt that the acquisition of Sean Monahan stands as the best transaction orchestrated by Kent Hughes since his arrival in Montreal. It cost nothing tangible, but it will pay huge dividends over the next ten years.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 19 | 173 ANSWERS Montreal Canadiens Reap Huge Reward as Kent Hughes Hits Trade Home Run Will Kent Hughes allow the Canadiens to win a Stanley Cup? | ||
| Yes | 160 | 92.5 % |
| No | 13 | 7.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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