The Montreal Canadiens have been making waves across the NHL this offseason, with General Manager Kent Hughes orchestrating a series of bold moves that have left fans and analysts alike buzzing with anticipation.

As the dust settles from the blockbuster acquisitions of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc, the hockey world is once again turning its eyes to Montreal—this time, for a potential trade proposal so surprising that it could redefine the team’s future.

Rumors are swirling, insiders are speculating, and the Canadiens fanbase is on the edge of its seat as whispers of another major transaction begin to surface. The central figure in this latest rumor?

A talented and controversial blueliner who has quickly become a fan favorite, and a high-profile star from a Western Conference rival whose name carries both prestige and a hefty price tag.

With the new season approaching and playoff aspirations burning brighter than ever, the stakes could not be higher for Kent Hughes and his staff.

Could this proposed deal be the missing piece that propels the Canadiens back to glory, or will it prove to be the most shocking move yet in a summer full of surprises? Read on to discover the details behind this jaw-dropping proposal.

Montreal Canadiens Logo (left) Calgary Flames Logo (right)

Photo credit: All Habs

After acquiring Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc, GM Kent Hughes remains very active on the trade market.

Cole Shelton, who has previously worked with CBC, just proposed a very surprising trade involving the Montreal Canadiens-and it centers around defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

The upcoming season for the Canadiens is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in a long time, and fans are hopeful that Martin St. Louis’s squad can once again secure a spot in the playoffs.

Kent Hughes has been very active since the start of the summer, and his biggest move is undoubtedly the acquisition of defenseman Noah Dobson. At just 25 years old, the 6’4″, 200 lb blueliner joins a defensive corps that also includes Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble, Alexandre Carrier, and Arber Xhekaj.

The organization has considerable depth on the blue line, and close attention will be paid to the performances of David Reinbacher as well as the talented Adam Engstrom, who could certainly shake things up.

The front office also managed to draft a young defenseman with massive potential during the most recent draft-Bryce Pickford. He was selected in the 3rd round, 81st overall, and recorded an impressive total of 20 goals and 47 points in 48 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL during the 2024-25 season. Over three seasons in junior hockey, Pickford led his team to the Memorial Cup Final twice.

Cole Shelton proposes Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens acquire Jonathan Huberdeau in exchange for Arber Xhekaj, Owen Beck, and Josh Anderson

In a new article published on Heavy by Cole Shelton, who has also worked with CBC Sports, he suggests that the Canadiens acquire Jonathan Huberdeau from the Calgary Flames.

In return, he offers Josh Anderson, Arber Xhekaj, Owen Beck, and a 2026 second-round pick.

Canadiens Acquire:
Jonathan Huberdeau

Flames Acquire:

Josh Anderson
Arber Xhekaj
Owen Beck
2026 second-round pick

At 32 years old, Jonathan Huberdeau earns an annual salary of $10,500,000 through the end of the 2030-31 season.