Elliotte Friedman Confirms Report Regarding Kent Hughes' Active Search To Trade Two Veterans

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Chris Gerics
November 3, 2024 (8:57 PM)

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The headlines have been dominated recently by trade speculation in Montreal, and Elliotte Friedman has confirmed GM Kent Hughes is looking to make a deal soon.

For the last few weeks, the Montreal Canadiens have had headline after headline talking about the potential of their head coach walking away, and trading half the roster; causing a lot of buzz but also a lot of distractions for the 4-6-1 Canadiens, who are struggling hard this season and would be in a worse spot if not for the heroics of Cole Caufield.

GM Kent Hughes knows a change is needed in Montreal, and reports of him looking to acquire a 'rugged forward' have led to questions as to who he would depart with in order to get what he wants. NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed that two of the players Hughes was looking to trade were not a part of their long-term plans:

«They're looking around for a forward, particularly someone with an edgeThey're also telling teams that they won't do anything that interferes with the long-term planning of their roster after this season.»

That leaves the door wide open when it comes to potential names that could be sent to teams. Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, David Savard, Jake Evans, and even Brendan Gallagher are names that could be in play. Dvorak was named as a high possibility to be traded according to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, who landed 6th on his list of Top 10 Potential Trade Candidates.

Kent Hughes certainly has his work cut out for him, and his not wanting to sacrifice the future for immediate success is a big positive for the outlook of the Canadiens. Adding a rugged forward doesn't necessarily mean paying out the nose, and with the right pieces he could definitely add by subtraction. Once Patrik Laine returns and Hughes gets his ruggedness, they could do some serious damage together with Caufield.

It will be an interesting story to follow in Montreal, as the rabid and passionate fanbase will no doubt be watching with the keenest of eyes as they assess whether Kent Hughes made the right or wrong move as it pertains to the future of the Canadiens.