Hughes reveals upcoming possible trades for the Habs to become a contending team

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MarcO
October 11, 2023 (9:21)

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In an interview with the distinguished journalist Alexandre Gascon from Radio-Canada, the Canadiens' general manager, Kent Hughes, made a significant revelation about forthcoming trades that's bound to pique the interest of the fans.

In a discussion addressing the fact that despite having a well-stocked pool of young talent, the Habs critically lack elite prowess�the kind that marks a franchise as a Stanley Cup contender�Hughes revealed something substantial.

Currently, the GM recognizes the need for a player capable of singlehandedly altering the outcome of a game when it's time to re-enter the playoff chase. With commendable transparency, he even admitted there's a need to bring in such talent, be it through the draft, trades, or a combination of both.

"I'm not sure we have enough top-tier talent in all areas: offense, defense, or in the net. We'll always want to add more. Whether that's through the draft, through trades, or both? That remains to be seen."

- Kent Hughes

While it's generally easier to secure an impactful player via the draft, given that the Habs might gradually ascend in the overall standings, the likelihood of adding young elite talent dwindles the further a team is from the draft's top-5.

However, in Hughes' perspective, there are always potential gems that might get overlooked in later picks, as seen with Boston in 2014.

"The Bruins snagged David Pastrnak 25th overall; you don't necessarily need the first overall pick."

- Kent Hughes

In this light, the Habs could have replicated such a move in 2022 with the 26th draft pick with a player like Jiri Kulich, also Czech, akin to Pastrnak. Yet, the organization opted for Filip Mesar, a prospect who notably disappointed last year.

What's even more intriguing is when Hughes addressed the fact that he currently has plenty of assets at his disposal to potentially secure an impactful player.

"It's doable [to find an impactful player through a trade]. When you have a lot of assets, draft capital, you could trade a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round pick in 2025 to get a player, and at the same time still have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round pick. Do I expect us to draft with all our available picks? No. How we'll use them, we can't give an exact plan. That's not how it works. But we know we have assets to acquire players."

- Kent Hughes

Knowing he has an appealing reserve of young players and a well-stocked draft pick bank�which could even grow in the upcoming season�it's enlightening to learn that the Canadiens' GM acknowledges the need to infuse elite talent into the roster and will consider options for the necessary acquisitions in the coming years.

Trades are anticipated for the Canadiens, and it's genuinely promising for the team's future.