It's now confirmed for Rutger McGroarty and the Canadiens: Hughes is in

According to the most well-connected insiders, it wasn't for lack of trying. Hughes is involved everywhere, and that's still the case. He hasn't finished his summer shopping, far from it.

It's known that a young player on his radar is Rutger McGroarty, and this has been confirmed by Elliotte Friedman.

It was even very possible that the 21st pick was in the offer, but for some unknown reason, it didn't happen, and the Canadiens selected Michael Hage.

When the team believes a trade is about to be concluded, it's really very close to happening.

If we recall, just before going on stage to announce the 21st pick, Kent Hughes made a phone call, and everyone got excited at the idea of a possible trade on the draft floor.

And if that call was to the Jets, to tell them that Michael Hage was available and the trade was therefore aborted? That's my hypothesis, but one thing is certain, there was smoke in this case.

The net result is that the Canadiens haven't yet acquired a promising young forward via trade this summer, but nothing is set in stone, as Trevor Zegras, Martin Necas, Rutger McGroarty, Patrik Laine, Cole Perfetti, Marco Rossi, and several others are still available.

It's confirmed that Rutger McGroarty greatly interests the Canadiens, and Kent Hughes could still be working on this case.

To be continued...

Update: McGroarty has confirmed that he will not attend the Winnipeg Jets' development camp next week.

This further confirms rumors of his departure, possibly to Montreal.