An unexpected change was announced today by the Montreal Canadiens. Before a long road trip to the West, Kent Hughes sent forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard to the Laval Rocket.

This move surprised many, and it’s quite strange to see the Habs heading West with only 12 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 healthy goaltenders.

«Still curious to head to California with 12 forwards and 6 defensemen able to play.»

Anthony Marcotte

However, there may be a logical explanation.

As we mentioned yesterday, Adam Boqvist is currently available for free on NHL waivers.

Could this explain the move?

Was Harvey-Pinard sent down to Laval to make room for Boqvist in the lineup?

Adam Boqvist about to be claimed by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens?

We will get the answer in the next few minutes, around 2:00 PM, but this theory is gaining a lot of traction right now, so be aware of it.

At 24 years old, Boqvist is a right-handed defenseman standing 6 feet tall and weighing 191 pounds.

Drafted just one spot after Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks and often compared to him, Boqvist is still trying to showcase his full potential, because yes, he has a lot of it and remains highly talented.

If he breaks out, he could become a major steal on the NHL waiver wire.

Considering that Kaiden Guhle is out long-term and that Boqvist is available for free (with an annual salary of $775,000), I absolutely believe that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton should give him a chance in Montreal.

Adam Boqvist has produced at nearly a 40-point pace per season for three years so far (over five NHL seasons).

A story to follow in the next few minutes.