The Montreal Canadiens are currently exploring trade options to strengthen their defense and add a gritty forward in response to their sluggish start to the 2024-25 season. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that General Manager Kent Hughes has reached out to various teams in search of a physical forward.
However, there is a stipulation. Hughes is unwilling to compromise the team’s long-term vision for short-term gains. Sources, including Pierre LeBrun from TSN and The Athletic, indicate that Hughes is also looking for a top-four, right-shot defenseman. Nevertheless, with a promising group of defensive prospects, the Canadiens are being cautious about any moves that might disrupt their future plans. Friedman’s report also indicates that Hughes’s search extends beyond just defensemen.
Hughes has indicated that he is open to making upgrades but is not willing to sacrifice future assets or pursue deals that could pose risks to the team’s long-term objectives. The focus is on trades that align with salary matching and support their future strategy.
Hughes has demonstrated a willingness to engage in trades that involve taking on salaries, especially if he believes it could provide a beneficial change. However, the specific players he might target remain uncertain, especially given the current trade market is quiet, with teams hesitant to make moves this early in the season. As a result, Hughes might face the challenge of having to overpay to secure what he needs, something he is likely reluctant to do.
It can be assumed that Hughes is not in the market for players with short-term contracts. Since the Canadiens are not currently a playoff-contending team, their goal in adding players is to find individuals who fit within their core age group and can develop alongside the existing roster.
