In the ever-evolving world of NHL management, few moves have sparked as much conversation as the blockbuster trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames in August 2022.

As general managers across the league are being ranked and scrutinized, Kent Hughes’ tenure with the Canadiens is drawing widespread praise—particularly for his shrewd decision-making and bold strategies.

Recently, the respected hockey page PuckEmpire placed Hughes among the top GMs in the league, highlighting the Monahan trade as a defining moment that set a new standard for asset management.

The deal, which brought both Sean Monahan and a coveted first-round pick to Montreal for virtually nothing in return, has since paid remarkable dividends for the franchise. It’s a testament to Hughes’ vision and willingness to make daring moves in pursuit of long-term success.

As the Canadiens continue to rebuild and set their sights on a return to Stanley Cup contention, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see what Hughes will do next. With each calculated trade and strategic acquisition, he’s proving that Montreal’s future is in capable hands.

Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames logos on a blue icy background

Photo credit: HabsFanatics/NHL

For the past few days, the excellent page PuckEmpire has been ranking the general managers of the National Hockey League. Today, we’ve finally reached Kent Hughes, who lands in 7th place.

In addition to revealing his position in this overall ranking, the page also takes the opportunity to highlight some of the key moves made by the Montreal Canadiens GM since taking over in January 2022.

According to them, his best trade is the one made with the Calgary Flames on August 18, 2022 – involving none other than Sean Monahan!

Trade between the Canadiens and Flames involving Monahan: Kent Hughes’ best move, according to Puck Empire

And it’s hard to disagree with them.

As part of this major deal, the Montreal Canadiens acquired Sean Monahan and a 2025 first-round pick – in exchange for absolutely nothing!

To Montreal:
– Sean Monahan
– 2025 First-Round Pick (16th overall)

To Calgary:
– Future considerations

“He took on Sean Monahan and was PAID a first-round pick to do so, and then flipped him for a 1st and 3rd. Those two 1sts? One was used as a major asset alongside Montreal’s own 1st to acquire Noah Dobson. The other was used to trade up slightly and take Michael Hage.

They essentially turned their own first-round pick and Emil Heineman for Dobson and Hage”

– Puck Empire

Wow!

I’m really curious to see which general managers are ranked ahead of Kent Hughes – in spots #1 through #6 – but it’s true that Hughes has done an outstanding job since being hired by Jeff Gorton in 2022!

We can probably expect someone like Bill Zito (GM of the Florida Panthers) to rank very high on that list.

As for the trade, Monahan ultimately recorded 17 points in 25 games and then 35 points in 49 games with the Montreal Canadiens before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets for a first round pick.

It’s hard to find a better deal than that!

I’m looking forward to seeing what else Kent Hughes can accomplish in the coming years as he works to build a true Stanley Cup contender!