In the fast-paced world of NHL trades and draft day decisions, some moves quietly slip by without much fanfare—until their true impact comes to light.

The Montreal Canadiens, under the steady leadership of Kent Hughes, have become experts at making strategic deals that don’t always grab headlines at first but can pay off in big ways down the road.

One recent trade with the Los Angeles Kings exemplifies this perfectly. While it may have seemed like a simple exchange of draft picks on the surface, the implications for the Canadiens’ future have quickly become impossible to ignore.

With careful planning and a clear vision, Hughes managed to secure a promising young center, Michael Hage, whose potential is already generating excitement among fans and analysts alike. As the dust settles and the details of the deal come into focus, it’s clear that this trade could be a defining moment for Montreal’s rebuild—one that might just shape the team’s fortunes for years to come.

Canadiens and Kings

Photo credit: NHL

We need to revisit a very clutch trade that flew under the radar, completed by Kent Hughes with the Los Angeles Kings.

Just hours before the 2024 NHL Draft, Kent Hughes finalized a trade with the Kings to send the 26th overall pick to Los Angeles, along with the 57th and 198th overall picks in 2024.

In return, the Canadiens acquired the Kings’ 21st overall pick.. And that 21st pick allowed the Habs to draft young center Michael Hage.

A trade that’s taken a major turn for the better for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens

That said, there are two key elements that make this deal pretty incredible.

First, we now know (according to Nick Bobrov) that Michael Hage would not have been available at the Canadiens’ original 26th pick if the trade with the Kings hadn’t been made.

Second, we now know (according to Marco D’Amico) that Kent Hughes thinks so highly of Michael Hage that he wouldn’t even consider including him in a trade for a star forward like Jordan Kyrou.

Wow!

This is a deal that’s becoming extremely interesting for Kent Hughes-and one that officially allowed him to get his hands on Hage.

Another solid move by the Canadiens’ GM, one that too often goes unnoticed!

Let’s hope Hage can become the reliable second-line centre the Canadiens have been craving for years.