As the NHL offseason heats up, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a crossroads, with General Manager Kent Hughes quietly plotting his next major move.

Whispers around the league suggest that Hughes is far from finished reshaping his roster, and his latest strategy could have a dramatic impact before the puck drops on the new season. The Habs’ top priority? Securing a legitimate top-6 forward—preferably a dynamic second-line center—to elevate their lineup to the next level.

But while fans and insiders have speculated about blockbuster trades involving prized prospects like Michael Hage or David Reinbacher, a surprising twist has emerged.

Sources close to the organization have revealed that Hughes is drawing a firm line in the sand, refusing to part ways with his most coveted young assets. So, what is Montreal actually willing to offer in pursuit of their next star?

Insider Marco D’Amico has just shed light on the Canadiens’ true trade intentions, and the details may catch even the most plugged-in fans off guard.

As rumors swirl and anticipation builds, the stage is set for a potentially game-changing transaction—one that could come sooner than anyone expects. What will Hughes do next? The answer might be closer than you think.

Photo of Kent Hughes

Photo credit: NHL

Clearly, Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens would very much like to add another top-6 forward before the start of the season.

Ideally, this other top-6 forward would be a center.. A second-line center!

That said, it will obviously all depend on the price to pay.

If Hughes were ready to trade a Michael Hage or a David Reinbacher, it would most likely already be done.

However, that is absolutely out of the question for the moment.

Recently we found out that Kent Hughes refused to include top Canadiens prospects in a trade with the Islanders.

Knowing that Kent Hughes will not touch Hage or Reinbacher, what then would he be ready to trade in order to acquire another top-6 forward before the start of the season?

Marco D’Amico reveals what Kent Hughes would be ready to trade at the moment

See the excerpt in question, recorded during his most recent segment on BPM Sports.

“So, the Canadiens would rather make a future-oriented trade, whether it’s picks, whether it’s other prospects (other prospects than Hage and Reinbacher)..”

That seems quite clear.

Kent Hughes would be ready to immediately trade picks, or other organizational prospects (whose names are not Michael Hage or David Reinbacher).

It would be very surprising to see the Habs trade freshly drafted players from 2025, so that would leave available names such as… Aatos Koivu, Filip Mesar, Owen Beck, Adam Engstrom, Oliver Kapanen, Joshua Roy, and others.

One can also think that, unlike in previous years, Hughes and Jeff Gorton would be ready to trade picks from upcoming drafts.

It will really be interesting to watch over the next few weeks in any case, but clearly, Kent Hughes has not yet finished his summer work.

Everything could break open after September 1st!

A second trade announced by the Canadiens immediately after that of Carey Price?