Kent Hughes, since joining the Montreal Canadiens, has generally taken a patient approach to trades, often opting for internal solutions to address issues. However, a report from Pierre LeBrun suggests that this season Hughes might take a different approach, acting more swiftly. He has already started making calls to potentially shake up his lineup.
Kent Hughes is attempting to finalize a trade
LeBrun has been candid, stating that he doesn’t think the Canadiens’ management truly expected to be serious playoff contenders. However, there is both internal and external pressure to show some improvement. As a result, the team’s slow start isn’t being taken lightly by those on the seventh floor of the Bell Centre.
EARLY TRADING – @PierreVLeBrun on Utah HC and the Habs exploring the trade market, and the role players Team Finland is eyeing for the 4 Nations Face-off: https://t.co/IlYuWZy7Sz
Be sure to watch an expanded Insider Trading later today on SportsCentre & https://t.co/BQGeAnElqf. pic.twitter.com/Xbleb7kZkt
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) October 24, 2024
“I don’t think the Canadiens are overlooking the slow start. Based on what I’ve heard from conversations with other teams, general manager Kent Hughes has been reaching out, doing his homework, and exploring potential moves. I believe the Canadiens are open to shaking up the lineup and bringing in a player who can contribute immediately,” LeBrun noted.
The challenge is that trades are uncommon this early in the season, as most executives are reluctant to make moves. Still, given the team’s struggles, Hughes might be making more calls than usual.
That said, pulling off a trade won’t be easy. As LeBrun points out, the Canadiens aren’t willing to jeopardize their future to address current issues. Additionally, the team is near the salary cap, making any deal more complex. Hughes would need to find a partner that aligns both in terms of player needs and salary balance.
Pierre LeBrun on the Habs:
“I don't think a slow start is being ignored here by the Habs. What I'm being told from talking to teams around the league is that GM Kent Hughes has started to call around, doing his due diligence, getting a sense of what is potentially out there. I… https://t.co/fRVBOCmUm7
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 24, 2024
LeBrun emphasizes that this isn’t speculation but information he’s received from other teams. Hughes is actively working the phones, making this a situation worth watching closely in the coming weeks.
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