Kent Hughes had a big trade on the table if Demidov wasn't available
We have just learned that the Montreal Canadiens received a substantial trade offer during the 2024 draft, but Kent Hughes chose to decline the offer, as he had confidence in his game plan.
In the highly anticipated documentary about the behind-the-scenes of the 2024 draft, released on the Montreal Canadiens' social media channels, fans discovered that the team's general manager received a trade offer involving the team's fifth overall pick.
The Montreal Canadiens received a huge trade offer involving a potential 1st overall pick
During the draft session, Kent Hughes is seen sitting at the team's table with his phone. The scene is filmed by a camera, and we then see the general manager turn to Martin Lapointe and say:
Kent Hughes
A team wanted the Canadiens' fifth overall pick. This means that Kent Hughes was evidently ready to accept this significant trade offer if his Plan A was no longer available at the fifth spot. It was revealed that Kent Hughes was targeting either Ivan Demidov or Cayden Lindstrom, and if neither player was available at the fifth pick, there was a Plan B in place.
In the excerpt, the Canadiens' general manager doesn't mention which team made this substantial trade offer, but we already have a good idea.
A few days after the draft, renowned insider Pierre LeBrun revealed the following:
I believe it was quite close, but the Blue Jackets declined. They really like Cayden Lindstrom.»
Pierre LeBrun
It seems that the Blackhawks made the same offer to the Montreal Canadiens. They wanted to target both the second overall pick and the fifth overall pick. This strategy would have allowed the Blackhawks to accelerate their rebuild around Connor Bedard. The team had set their sights on defenseman Artyom Levshunov.
Montreal Canadiens: The Blackhawks Made a Huge Trade Offer
The Blackhawks are very likely to be one of the lottery favorites again next year. For any team in the Bettman circuit, the idea of picking in the top two is extremely enticing! Many experts predict that the Blackhawks should finish between 30th and 32nd in the league during the 2024-2025 season.
Kent Hughes was waiting to see the first four selections in order. He knew the Sharks wanted Macklin Celebrini. After that, anything was possible! The Hawks could have drafted Ivan Demidov to form a dynamic duo with Bedard. However, his contract year in the KHL was slowing down the process for 2024-2025. Chicago's defense was in bad shape, so selecting the most complete defenseman in the draft made a lot of sense.
The young player also has an exemplary attitude. (Ivan Demidov reveals a new team where he would like to play, doing the opposite of young Mikhail Gulyayev)
To watch the full documentary by the Canadiens, check out the video here!
To see the excerpt mentioned above where Kent Hughes talks about this major trade offer, go to the 21st minute!
Source: TVA Sports Trades were in place if the plan failed
| POLL | ||
According to you, which team made the offer to the Canadiens for the fifth overall pick? | ||
| Chicago Blackhawks | 92 | 56.1 % |
| Anaheim Ducks | 27 | 16.5 % |
| Ottawa Senators | 12 | 7.3 % |
| Other team in the NHL | 33 | 20.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
