Major trade by Kent Hughes: a top-quality forward is targeted
Several names have been linked to the Canadiens since the beginning of the summer, and one of them has resurfaced in trade rumors involving Kent Hughes.
Forward Rutger McGroarty has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, and he has indeed been associated with the Canadiens in recent weeks. There was even speculation that he would be a candidate for the GM at the draft.
However, we later learned that it was actually Trevor Zegras who was close to landing in Montreal at the draft, but it seems that Michael Hage's availability at the 21st pick altered the scenario.
In any case, the absolute truth is not known, but one thing is certain: Kent Hughes has not made a major acquisition this summer, and time is running out. This could be his first summer without a quality acquisition.
In 2022, he acquired Kirby Dach and Sean Monahan, and then Alex Newhook in 2023. According to Steven Ellis, Hughes will make another significant acquisition this summer.
The trade needs to make sense in the long term, like Rutger McGroarty for example."
- Steven Ellis
What Ellis means is that the Canadiens' general manager will not complete a trade unless he is certain it will be beneficial in the long term. There are still options available, as many of the young players on the market have not yet been traded.
Names like Trevor Zegras, Martin Necas, Rutger McGroarty, Marco Rossi, and even Patrik Laine have not yet changed teams, leaving many options for Hughes.
Time will tell if Ellis is correct. Personally, I believe the recent draft has changed the plans. With Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage joining in the coming years, in addition to active players like Joshua Roy and Alex Newhook who will continue to progress, I don't see the urgency of acquiring a top-6 forward.
Remember that the Canadiens are in a rebuild, and it's a long process. When a team starts a rebuild, we don't expect them to win the Stanley Cup three years later. Kent Hughes must continue to be patient and stick to the plan.
If that means he doesn't make a major acquisition this summer, I have no problem with that.
Credit: Marqueur.com
Transaction à venir chez le Canadien: Kent Hughes pourrait causer la surprise
| POLL | ||
Do you think Kent Hughes must absolutely acquire a top-6 forward this summer? | ||
| Yes | 151 | 52.2 % |
| No | 138 | 47.8 % |
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