The excitement of the 2025 NHL Draft is far from over for Montreal Canadiens fans. After already making headlines with a blockbuster trade to acquire defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders, General Manager Kent Hughes appears to be far from finished.

Fresh rumors are swirling that Hughes is deep in negotiations for yet another major move—this time, with the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the Canadiens having traded away their two first-round picks, speculation is rampant that Hughes is determined to make a splash and find a way back into the first round tonight.

Reports suggest that Montreal is actively targeting one of Pittsburgh’s coveted picks, setting the stage for a potential deal that could inject even more excitement into an already dramatic draft night. As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Hughes to see if he can pull off another surprise and reshape the Canadiens’ future once again.

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We’ve got action on this 2025 NHL Draft day. After completing a trade with the New York Islanders for young defenseman Noah Dobson, it appears Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens are already working on a second deal.

Kent Hughes isn’t done making moves.

That said, another serious trade rumor involving the Montreal Canadiens is currently making the rounds.

Kent Hughes is working on a trade to draft a player tonight!

According to the “El Cloun” account-well known in Canadiens circles and with a strong track record of breaking major scoops-Kent Hughes was already working on this kind of deal before the Noah Dobson trade, and it’s even more likely now.

Interesting.

Before the Dobson trade, it was reported that the Canadiens were in talks with Nashville and Vancouver to either move up or acquire a pick for tonight’s draft.. and that still seems to be the case, as the Canadiens want to draft tonight despite losing their two picks.

If I had been able to write to you yesterday, the order would have been:

1: Talks with Nashville and Vancouver for picks,

2: Interest in Dobson..

Now that #2 has happened (sooner than expected), I’m told that option #1 is still very much in play-and perhaps even more so now!

Also, the Canadiens are actively pursuing one of the Penguins’ two first-round picks (11th or 12th overall).

So don’t be surprised if Kent Hughes pulls a rabbit out of his hat tonight and completes a trade to re-acquire a first-round pick in this 2025 draft.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, who currently hold the 11th and 12th overall picks tonight, are reportedly being targeted by Kent Hughes and the Canadiens for a deal.

They’re working on it!

Looks like tonight’s draft could still turn out to be very exciting for Canadiens fans after all!

Don’t be surprised if a trade is announced between the Habs and Penguins for the 11th or 12th overall pick.

Names like Carter Bear and Justin Carbonneau could still be in play here.

More details to come.