A list of five names in the pocket of Kent Hughes for this summer
Kent Hughes is gearing up for what could be the most productive summer of his young career as a general manager in the Bettman circuit. The helm of the organization has a list of five names with offensive potential to perfectly complement the top-6 of the Holy Flannel.
Among the big names on this list, Jonathan Marchessault and Matt Duchene are among the veterans who will be free agents this summer. For the third consecutive time, the CH is excluded from the end-of-season playoffs.
While fans understand and show patience towards the new trio of Gorton-Hughes-St-Louis, results will need to be different next season.
As mentioned by internet user Marc-Olivier Beaudoin, a top-6 forward must be added to provide depth to the team.
In his end-of-season press briefing, Kent Hughes was fully aware that his offense needed to produce more. Kirby's absence for the entire 2023-2024 season did not help the Tricolor. If he returns in good physical shape in September, the second line could be just one player away from providing valuable assistance to Martin St-Louis every night.
Here are five names on Kent Hughes' potential acquisitions list for the next two months:
Trevor Zegras
Martin Necas
Jonathan Marchessault
Teuvo Teravainen
Matt Duchene
Martin Necas and Trevor Zegras are names we've been hearing a lot about in recent days. However, the reasons are quite different! Martin Necas finds himself in a lineup that made big acquisitions at the trade deadline in hopes of winning the Stanley Cup. Salary cap constraints will make his signing difficult for Don Waddell.
On the other hand, Trevor Zegras had a season below expectations set by the Anaheim Ducks management. The team hovered around the 30th, 31st, and 32nd spots during the regular season. A relatively young team, they hope to have help that can immediately contribute to the team.
In the previous two years, Kent Hughes has been active during the weeks around the draft. First, there was the acquisition of Kirby Dach in a three-team trade involving the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Islanders. Then, Alex Newhook headed to Montreal. A wise decision for the Tricolor general manager. A talented young player traded on the eve of the draft would be an interesting idea.
The possibility of adding a free agent this summer should not be ruled out either. Looking at the names on the list, 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient Jonathan Marchessault ranks at the top of the list of potential candidates. The Quebecois has always dreamed of playing in Montreal, and his leadership has been recognized in all the organizations he has played for.
The interest of spectators promises to be piqued, but until then, we'll have to wait for the NHL draft lottery. Let's imagine a top-2 pick. That would be the helping hand the Tricolor has long awaited.
