When it comes to building a championship contender, the moves that make headlines aren’t always the ones that make the biggest impact.

While Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has earned praise for his headline-grabbing trades, it’s often the subtle, under-the-radar deals that quietly shape a team’s future.

Hidden beneath the surface of recent roster changes is a fascinating chess match—one that has gone largely unnoticed by even the most dedicated fans.

In the whirlwind of the NHL offseason, a series of seemingly minor trades barely registered on the radar of most analysts. Yet, behind the scenes, Hughes was orchestrating a sequence of calculated moves that would ultimately pay off in a surprising way.

The end result? A towering young center now stands poised to become one of the most intriguing prospects in the Canadiens’ system.

But how did this unexpected acquisition come together? What did Montreal give up—and what did they gain, really?

The answer is a testament to the art of asset management and the value of patience in the front office. As the dust settles, one name is suddenly on everyone’s lips, and the story behind his arrival is one you won’t want to miss.

Photo credit: IG Haydenpaupanekis

We often talk about Kent Hughes’ smart moves on the NHL trade market, but here’s another example that has flown under the radar.

Indeed, the Canadiens acquired a big 6-foot-5 center through two brilliant trades.. two subtle, but very smart trades!

In August 2023, Kent Hughes acquired Jeff Petry, Nathan Légaré, Casey DeSmith, and a 2025 second-round pick (in a trade completed with the Pittsburgh Penguins).

In return, Montreal gave up almost nothing.. Hughes sent Rem Pitlick and Mike Hoffman to the Penguins.

However, what he did afterward is very interesting.

Kent Hughes turns two subtle trades into Hayden Paupanekis

You read that right.

Following this trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kent Hughes completed the following two trades:

Jeff Petry for Gustav Lindstrom and a 2025 fourth-round pick (with the Red Wings).

Casey DeSmith for Tanner Pearson and a 2025 third-round pick (with the Canucks).

Let’s set aside Lindstrom and Pearson.

What matters here is what Hughes did with the 2025 third-round and fourth-round picks.

Well yes.. He traded those two picks (2025 third-round and 2025 fourth-round) to the Boston Bruins in order to move up in the draft and get his hands on the big 6-foot-5, 200-pound center, Hayden Paupanekis.

What brilliant asset management!

Paupanekis, 18 years old, is indeed a 6-foot-5, 200-pound center who recorded 19 points in 32 games last season in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets, as well as 24 points in 39 games with the Spokane Chiefs.

We’re really looking forward to following his development, especially since he truly impressed at the most recent Habs development camp.