No Rush For Hughes
May 6, 2024
By Bob Trask
Kent Hughes is sitting in an enviable spot. Not only does he have a solid pipeline of potential NHL players in the system, he has 12 picks in the upcoming draft and most of his key players have not yet reached their peak. Hughes can scrutinize the market in search of a player or players who will help take the team to the next level without the pressure of being forced into a disadvantageous trade. Any additions made this summer will have a full season with the Canadiens before the pressure to compete for the Cup truly ramps up. That doesn’t mean Hughes won’t take a big swing in the trade market or the UFA market but he has the luxury of time on his side, at least for now. The lack of urgency to compete for the Cup next season also means he doesn’t have to dump veterans at below-market value this summer and he can allow them to show their value before the trade deadline. But if the right deal comes along, history shows us that the Montreal GM will pull the trigger. – Trask