The Montreal Canadiens’ offseason continues to generate headlines as GM Kent Hughes remains relentless in his pursuit of roster upgrades.

After orchestrating two significant trades to bring in Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc, Hughes is showing no signs of slowing down.

Reports from trusted insider David Pagnotta suggest that the Canadiens are actively engaged in trade discussions with the Anaheim Ducks, with rising star Mason McTavish at the center of attention.

While fans eagerly anticipate the new season and watch young talents shine on the ice at the Brossard training complex, the front office is working tirelessly behind the scenes to bolster the team’s lineup.

With other teams like the Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, and Philadelphia Flyers also circling, the race for McTavish is heating up.

The Canadiens’ aggressive approach under Hughes signals a new era of ambition and bold moves, keeping the hockey world guessing about what blockbuster deal might come next.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes

Photo credit: Montreal Canadiens

According to David Pagnotta, all signs indicate that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes remains very active on the trade market and could be looking to swing a deal with the Anaheim Ducks.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has been very active this summer, making two important trades by bringing in Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc. Now fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the next season, and several players are already training on the ice at the Brossard training complex.

In recent days, captain Nick Suzuki was present on the ice, along with Arber Xhekaj, Alexandre Carrier, Samuel Montembeault, Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, Florian Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Ivan Demidov.

The latter has been very impressive and has made spectacular plays. In 2025-26, Demidov will play his first NHL season and will try to win the Calder Trophy, awarded to the rookie of the year, whose current holder is his compatriot Lane Hutson.

At the draft last June, Kent Hughes surprised Tricolore fans by acquiring defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Emil Heineman and two first-round picks in 2025.

Then, he completed another big move by sending Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Zachary Bolduc, who was recently named among the top 23 young players aged 23 or under in a ranking published by the National Hockey League.

David Pagnotta states that Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens are still trying to acquire Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks

Kent Hughes has been a very active general manager since joining the Habs in January 2022 and has made several excellent trades.

According to the reputable David Pagnotta, the Montreal organization is still trying to complete a trade with the Anaheim Ducks to bring Mason McTavish to its roster.

Pagnotta adds that the Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, and Philadelphia Flyers are also in talks with Pat Verbeek regarding the young forward.