The Montreal Canadiens have always been a team surrounded by passionate fans, relentless media coverage, and a constant swirl of rumors.

But in recent days, a new wave of speculation has swept through the hockey world, hinting at a major shakeup that could change the trajectory of the franchise.

Whispers from inside the Bell Centre suggest that Kent Hughes, the Canadiens’ general manager, is quietly preparing for a move that could send shockwaves across the NHL.

At the center of this brewing storm is a young Quebecois forward whose future with the team appears increasingly uncertain. Behind closed doors, meetings are being scheduled, plans are being debated, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Trusted sources hint at exclusive information, while respected journalists are dropping cryptic clues about what’s to come.

For months, questions have lingered regarding this player’s role, his ambitions, and the organization’s vision for his development. Now, with tensions rising and expectations mounting, fans are left wondering: Is a blockbuster trade on the horizon? What has prompted this sudden urgency? And just how far will the Canadiens go to secure their future?

Read on as we unravel the details behind the scenes—and reveal what might be next for Montreal’s beloved franchise.

Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes (left) talks with head coach Martin St. Louis before the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Do not be surprised if a trade is announced soon by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

As we reported to you exclusively last May, Joshua Roy had targeted the age of 22 or 23 as the deadline he was giving himself to establish himself with the Montreal Canadiens for good.

Since he still has not established himself with the Habs, everything indicates that he will indeed demand a trade.

According to exclusive information from very reliable sources, and it really looks like it is about to be confirmed.

A meeting scheduled for Joshua Roy and Kent Hughes: it smells like a trade

Here’s what TVA Sports journalist Anthony Martineau just reported.

“The Joshua Roy clan will have a meeting with the CH soon.

The goal? To clarify the plan regarding the Quebecois forward.

If the meeting is not deemed satisfactory for one or both parties, I would not be at all surprised to see the young man traded in the coming months.”

– Anthony Martineau, TVA Sports

This absolutely corroborates the information I also have in hand, and I can even tell you that the trade request is indeed likely to come directly from Joshua Roy.

“Honestly, it fascinates me that a player with Joshua Roy’s status would dare to request a trade (if that’s indeed the case eventually).

You’ve had opportunities to seize. You could’ve done things differently, better, on and off the ice.

It’s not like a team is going to hand him a top 6 spot on a silver platter. He’s going to have to earn it, no matter where.

Oh well, if it makes him happy and the organization gets a decent asset.. why not!”

– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin

I would even tell you that he has been thinking about it for a while, at least according to what I have learned.

Joshua Roy, 22 years old, is a 6-foot, 192-pound Quebec forward who was a fifth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2021.

Last season, he collected 35 points in 47 games, including 20 goals.