As the 2025 NHL Draft draws closer, speculation is mounting around the Montreal Canadiens and the potential moves they might make to shake up their future. With the team currently outside the coveted top-10 picks for the first time in several years, all eyes are on General Manager Kent Hughes and his next chess move. The Canadiens’ front office, led by Hughes and Jeff Gorton, has shown a willingness to be bold and creative when it comes to draft strategy, leaving fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipating their next steps.

Recent history has proven that Hughes isn’t afraid to pull the trigger on significant trades to improve the team’s draft position, and with a wealth of assets at his disposal, the possibilities seem endless. The rumor mill is swirling with talk of potential deals, and the pressure is on to make the most of this pivotal offseason. Observers are keenly watching for any signs of movement, knowing that a single trade could dramatically alter the franchise’s trajectory.

As draft day approaches, the stakes have never been higher for the Canadiens. Will Hughes make another bold move to secure a top-10 pick, or will the team chart a different course? The answer could define Montreal’s future for years to come.

Photo of Kent Hughes

Photo credit: TSN

Observer Marc-Olivier Beaudoin just shared an interesting analysis regarding Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens ahead of the 2025 draft.

For the first time in a few years, the Canadiens do not initially hold a top-10 pick in the draft.

However, that could all change very quickly with a simple trade.

We know Kent Hughes made a deal last year to move up a few spots in the first round of the NHL Draft (for Michael Hage), and he could certainly do it again this year.

He has the assets to make it happen, and what’s more, several experts believe the Canadiens will be active this year.

Whether it’s moving up in the draft or trading a pick for an established player, Hughes and Jeff Gorton have plenty of options.

What would it cost Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens to acquire a top-10 pick in the 2025 draft?

After some research, here’s Beaudoin’s answer:

“For those wondering what it would cost the Canadiens to acquire a top-10 pick, approximately:

MTL gives:

CGY 1st (#16)

PIT 2nd (#41)

MTL 2nd (#49)

ANA gives:

ANA 1st (#10)

ANA 3rd (#91)”

– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin

Basically, the Canadiens would need to give up the 41st and 49th overall picks to improve their 16th overall pick by about 6 spots (and Kent Hughes would also pick up a 3rd-rounder in the process).

Would you do it?

Based on previous draft-day trades, that is indeed the typical price to move into the top 10.

Personally, I truly believe it will all depend on the players available.

For example, if the Canadiens’ management sees that the 10th overall spot still has a player ranked 5th on their list, then it becomes very appealing to make that trade.

It will definitely be a situation to watch as the draft approaches!