A golden opportunity for Kent Hughes to add another 2019 first-round pick with Jakob Pelletier
Kent Hughes mentioned that he wouldn't make a rental trade to bring in a player of Patrik Laine's caliber, but he has a chance to get a former first-round pick for free.
Indeed, Jakob Pelletier has been placed on waivers, and he has often been linked to the Canadiens in the past. Kent Hughes is therefore fifth in line to decide whether he wants him with the Canadiens.
The only small problem is that Kent Hughes already signed Alex Barré-Boulet, who is the same type of player.
With 111 points in 119 games in the American Hockey League, Pelletier is clearly ready for the NHL, but the Flames have decided otherwise.
We know Kent Hughes' admiration for former first-round picks from 2019, as he has brought in Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, in addition to having Cole Caufield via Marc Bergevin.
Will Jakob Pelletier be the next to join the team? Personally, I don't think so. It's all a matter of timing, and the timing isn't right anymore. It's a shame because I would really like to see him in Montreal.
This highlights the opportunity for Kent Hughes to acquire Pelletier, but also the potential conflict with the recent addition of Barré-Boulet, suggesting that the timing may no longer be ideal for such a move.
