As the dog days of summer wind down and the NHL trade market simmers quietly, a new wave of intrigue is building around the Montreal Canadiens. Fresh off his vacation, renowned reporter Marco D’Amico has returned with whispers from inside league circles—whispers that hint at a September shake-up involving none other than Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and the legendary Carey Price.

According to sources, the Canadiens’ front office is notorious for catching their second wind just as the season approaches, making late-summer trades that send ripples through the league.

But this year, there’s a different energy in the air. Behind closed doors, insiders are talking as if a major move involving Carey Price’s contract is not just possible, but all but inevitable.

What’s even more tantalizing is the suggestion that this single transaction could unlock a cascade of further deals—perhaps even involving a familiar name from the Canadiens’ recent rumor mill.

With speculation swirling and key players returning from vacation with renewed focus, the stage is set for a September no Habs fan will want to miss. What exactly is brewing in Montreal?

Kent Hughes and Carey Price

Photo credit: NHL

The excellent Marco D’Amico has just published a very interesting article, immediately upon his return from vacation, after making a few calls.

Following his discussions with NHL sources, D’Amico did indeed report some major statements, including this one.

“Hughes and Gorton often get a second wind in August and September for making trades, so it wouldn’t surprise me at all,” said the source.

“For now, nothing is really happening, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make a trade once Price’s contract is moved.”

We highly recommend RG Media’s article on the subject, but what’s very interesting here is that the source in question really seems to speak as if the Carey Price trade (and his contract) is already settled.

“Back from vacation, I made a few calls.

The trade market is rather quiet for the Canadiens, but trading Carey Price’s contract in September should open the door for the Canadiens to make another move.

The clear message: no lateral moves.”

– Marco D’Amico

It really looks like Carey Price’s contract will be officially traded on September 1st.

It seems Kent Hughes already has a “deal” in place for this.

The Carey Price trade setting up another?

In recent hours, Ryan O’Reilly’s name has once again been linked to the Montreal Canadiens.

So, is a second trade between the Habs and the Nashville Predators in the works?

The goal here would be to bring in a veteran while waiting for Michael Hage, and to get a player who will not block Hage when he is ready to take on the role of second-line center in a few years.

This will be a major storyline to watch in September, without a doubt!

Ryan O’Reilly, 34 years old, is an extremely complete center, outstanding defensively as well as in the faceoff circle, and he has recorded 53 and 69 points in his last two seasons in Nashville.