As the NHL offseason heats up, a major development has captured the attention of Montreal Canadiens fans and hockey insiders alike. Renowned NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has just dropped a significant revelation, shedding light on the bold strategy that general manager Kent Hughes is pursuing.

According to LeBrun, Hughes is actively working to package the Canadiens’ two coveted first-round picks along with top prospects in a determined effort to land an impact forward—a move that could dramatically reshape the team’s offensive core. With trade partners in short supply and only a handful of teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins openly willing to make deals, the stakes have never been higher for Montreal. As speculation swirls about which names could be involved and whether the Canadiens can pull off such a game-changing transaction, all eyes are on Hughes and his management team to see if they can deliver the upgrade fans have been hoping for.

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

Pierre LeBrun is one of the most well-connected insiders in the NHL and is always very cautious with his statements.

So when he shares information, it’s solid-and he’s just released a very interesting scoop involving Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

He outright revealed the exact type of trade Kent Hughes is preparing.

Kent Hughes is officially trying to trade his two first-round picks and prospects in order to acquire an impact forward

That’s the kind of deal Hughes is currently working on seriously.

Pierre LeBrun: “Montreal with its two first round picks is trying to find a partner who would be interested in a picks/prospects package for a forward upgrade”

– The Athletic

So don’t be surprised if a deal like this is announced by the Canadiens within the next 48 hours.

What’s less ideal for Montreal is that partners for such a trade are currently quite rare in the NHL.

Officially, as reported by the same Pierre LeBrun, only the Pittsburgh Penguins are openly labeled as “sellers” and are willing to trade impact players in exchange for picks and prospects.

What kind of trade would specifically interest Kyle Dubas?

That’s the big question.

We now know that names like Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust are available in a trade-but do they interest the duo of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton?