The NHL trade market is buzzing with excitement as a surprising new name emerges in the spotlight: towering defenseman Nicolas Hague of the Vegas Golden Knights. In a move that has caught many off guard, the Golden Knights have officially made Hague available for trade, sparking immediate interest from teams seeking to strengthen their blue line.

Among the frontrunners in the race are the Montreal Canadiens, who are reportedly eager to add size, skill, and stability to their defensive corps. With speculation swirling and insiders weighing in on what a potential deal could look like, the possibility of Hague donning the Canadiens’ sweater has fans and analysts alike debating the impact such an acquisition could have. As concrete trade proposals begin to surface, the hockey world is watching closely to see if Montreal will take a bold step to secure one of the league’s most imposing young defenders.

Apr 15, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague (14) against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

We have an update regarding the big defenseman Nicolas Hague and the Montreal Canadiens.

As we reported in recent hours, the Vegas Golden Knights have made the big decision to place their defenseman Hague on the NHL trade market.

They announced it officially, and it came as a surprise to many.

So, it appears the Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins are in the mix to acquire Hague (6-foot-6 and 240 pounds).

With that in mind, the excellent Marc-Olivier Beaudoin has proposed a concrete trade offer between the Canadiens and the Golden Knights, involving Hague.

Concrete trade offer between the Montreal Canadiens and the Vegas Golden Knights involving Nicolas Hague and Jayden Struble, proposed by MO Beaudoin

Here is the core of his proposal.

“I think a trade like Jayden Struble + a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Nicolas Hague makes a lot of sense for both teams.”

– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin

And you-would you make that trade?

Hague is likely to carry a higher cap hit, but I really believe he could improve (and beef up) Martin St-Louis’ defensive group.

He’s excellent defensively, with an underrated offensive side.

At 26 years old, Nic Hague is a towering left-shot defenseman at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, who has tallied 83 points in 364 career NHL games, including 12 points in 68 games this season.

The Golden Knights’ 34th overall pick in 2017, he scored 35 goals in his final OHL season.

Also worth noting: while he is a left-handed shot, he can indeed play on the right side if needed.