There’s no denying it fans, the new upper brass of the Montreal Canadiens is here on business and they are in it to win. Three trades were announced today to add to the other 4 that were already made this season by Kent Hughes.
Since being hired this past January 18th, Hughes has already completed 7 trades. Here they are in detail.
February 12th
February 14th
March 2nd
March 16th
March 21st (Trade Deadline)
Kent Hughes has stacked the draft cupboard. All in all, the Canadiens now have two first round picks this year and the next. They add a second round pick this year and also get back a 2nd round pick in 2024 after trading theirs in the Christian Dvorak deal.
In total, unless more trades happen in the off-season, the Canadiens will enter the 2022 Draft in Montreal with 14 picks in the seven rounds available.
What’s also impressive is the Canadiens currently sit with $12,703,062 in cap space according to CapFriendly. All that while retaining a total of $3,825,000 in salary which will all dissipate at the end of this season.
With an impressive return on pending free agents, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have taken the first steps towards a proper rebuild. Acquiring draft picks and prospects rather than just trying to patch things up.
What do you think? What grade would you give Kent Hughes in his first season with the Canadiens? Comment below!