The Canadiens’ trade discussions are unaffected by the use of their first-round pick, according to Kent Hughes, indicating that Montreal is still bargaining.
The quote was brief and accurate. Hughes said, “It alters nothing for us,” when Arpon Basu asked him if utilizing the selection affected any trade talks.
Examine the translated text. The Habs are still looking for a trade to add a player, but the first-rounder wasn’t Montreal’s trade currency.
The background frames it. After that, Montreal made it apparent that its trade initiatives would continue despite the selection of a prospect at position 26.
In addition, these endeavours are well-documented. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Canadiens were reportedly looking at Vincent Trocheck after being turned down for Bo Horvat and Kirill Marchenko.
Hughes kept the door open.
The center hunt that’s very much alive.
Begin with the team photo. Montreal is rated sixth overall under Martin St-Louis, a rising club that is centered on Cole Caufield’s 88 points and Nick Suzuki’s 101 points. A natural next step would be to add to the top six.
The “changes nothing” statement is a clue. Hughes has additional resources and options, as evidenced by his continued pursuit of deals despite keeping the pick. He wasn’t required to utilize the initial pick to make a trade.
The market environment influences the path as well. An improvement will come through other names because the Habs have previously declined offers from Horvat and Marchenko. He hasn’t given up, as evidenced by Hughes’ persistent presence.
The timing pushes it. With free agency approaching and the draft concluded, this is the time, and a GM indicating continuing activity suggests Montreal may still be able to make a deal.
Here’s my interpretation: this is a GM telling you that he’s not through. Hughes is keeping all of his alternatives open by stating that “it changes nothing” and that Montreal is a strong young club looking to expand. The center search has gone live.
The Canadiens thus held onto their trade powder and utilized one of their selections.
The thread to follow is whether Hughes acquires a center via trade or turns to free agency. No longer dealing.
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