Canadiens Rumors: Montreal Eyeing More Draft-Day Trades This Year

The Montreal Canadiens are set to become major players in the NHL trade market this offseason, under the direction of General Manager Kent Hughes, according to Marco D'Amico.

Having diligently stockpiled draft picks and assets prior to the deadline, the Canadiens are primed to leverage these resources to strengthen their roster.

Hughes has signaled a departure from their previous stance as sellers at the trade deadline, indicating a proactive shift towards potential buyer status during the offseason, especially at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

Value For Assets: How the Montreal Canadiens Approached the NHL Trade Deadline https://t.co/dQJClPVx6e #GoHabsGo #Habs #NHL pic.twitter.com/h7NVujFALM

— Rick Stephens / Rocket Sports (@RocketSports) March 14, 2024

The Canadiens have missed the playoffs for the last two seasons, following their incredible run to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 2020-2021 season, where they were eventually stymied in five games by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

With significant acquisitions like a 2024 1st-round pick and a conditional 2025 3rd-round pick garnered from trades involving players such as Sean Monahan and Jake Allen, Montreal has bolstered its bargaining power.

As noted by D'Amico, we saw Hughes do this recently, acquiring Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach with draft picks and prospects at the 2022 and 2023 NHL Entry Drafts.

“If I see another opportunity again at the draft, we’ll look to continue the path of being a buyer and not a seller,” Hughes said recently.

Such a slick between-the-legs goal from Trevor Zegras pic.twitter.com/nhgcYpkVBc

— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) March 8, 2023

Hughes has emphasized the team's readiness to explore trades aimed at immediate roster improvement, hinting at a focus on targeting impactful young talents, such as highly-skilled forwards like Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks.

Armed with multiple 1st-round picks in both the 2024 and 2025 drafts, alongside a wealth of promising defensive prospects, the Canadiens are well-positioned to make some big moves, especially on draft-day, where we've seen Hughes be active before. Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports