There’s a storm brewing between two of the NHL’s most intriguing franchises, and it all traces back to a single trade that could reshape their futures.

The Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche—two teams with proud histories and passionate fanbases—are suddenly locked in a new drama that’s sending shockwaves through hockey circles. At the center of this brewing controversy is a young defenseman whose name is quickly gaining traction: Mikhail Gulyayev.

When renowned journalist Marco D’Amico dropped his latest scoop, fans couldn’t help but wonder if the Canadiens’ front office made a move they’ll soon regret.

Gulyayev, just 20 years old, is on the verge of making his NHL debut for Colorado, and his rapid ascent has reignited debates about a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through Montreal.

Was this Kent Hughes’ most questionable decision since taking the reins? Did the Canadiens unknowingly hand over a future star?

As Gulyayev’s arrival looms, questions swirl about what might have been—and what could still unfold. Could this trade come back to haunt Montreal for years to come?

What are insiders saying about the young prospect’s development, and how might his story intersect with the Canadiens’ future? The answers might surprise you…

Photo of Canadiens and Avalanche

Photo credit: NHL

The excellent journalist Marco D’Amico has just shared an interesting piece about a young defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche.

Mikhail Gulyayev is a defenseman that the Avalanche acquired through a trade made with the Montreal Canadiens, and let’s just say it’s not Kent Hughes’ best move since arriving in town.

Mikhail Gulyayev announces his imminent arrival in the NHL

Gulyayev, 20 years old, is a 5-foot-10, 171-pound defenseman who was in fact drafted 31st overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2023.

That pick originally belonged to the Montreal Canadiens but was traded to Colorado in the Alex Newhook deal.

Well, would Gulyayev have been the Canadiens’ choice? Hard to say, but we do know Montreal’s management liked him quite a bit.

“On June 27, 2023, the Canadiens traded the 31st overall pick (which became Mikhail Gulyayev), the 37th overall pick in 2023 (which became Ethan Gauthier), and Gianni Fairbrother, in exchange for forward Alex Newhook.”

And while Newhook still has yet to make a concrete impact in Montreal, here comes young Gulyayev, who could already be joining the Colorado Avalanche as reinforcements.

“Colorado Avalanche 1st-rounder, Mikhail Gulayev is seemingly eyeing the end of the season to jump to the NHL.

More from the youngster on his work with Guy Boucher and his NHL comparables below:”

Marco D’Amico

We highly recommend the full article from RG Media, but basically, it confirms that Gulyayev could indeed be arriving in the NHL as early as this season (at the end of the season), similar to how Ivan Demidov joined the Montreal Canadiens a few months ago.

Do you think Kent Hughes regrets his trade?