The Montreal Canadiens have been committed to doing the rebuild the right way and not taking shortcuts. It certainly isn't easy in sports to remain patient, but that is exactly what Kent Hughes has done, and it is paying off in a big way, particularly on some of the trades he has made during his time as general manager.
Some of his draft picks seem to be right on the cusp of breaking out, like Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky, but it has been the trades that Hughes has made that are making the biggest impact in these playoffs. Right now, the Canadiens have seven players whom Hughes traded for that have been big reasons for them advancing past the Lightning and holding a 2-1 lead over the Sabres.
This group includes:
- Alex Newhook: Leads team in goals (5)
- Kirby Dach: Second on the team in goals (4)
- Zachary Bolduc: Third in points (6), second in +/- (+6)
- Mike Matheson: Leads team in blocks (29), second in average time on ice (25:26)
- Alexandre Carrier: Third on the team in average time on ice (22:25)
- Phillip Danault: Second on the team in faceoff wins (76)
The only player not on this list who Hughes traded for is Noah Dobson, but that was due to him missing almost the entire first series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, as the playoffs go on, he will continue to play a bigger role.
Kent Hughes has built one of the most complete rosters left in the playoffs with his trades
What has been impressive about this is that Kent Hughes has found players who complement each other well. They all bring something different that might not stand out on their own, but help the Canadiens be successful, like Danault, who has excelled in the faceoff circle.
At the time of these trades, it might have looked like an overpay by Hughes. In the trades for Alex Newhook and Dach, the Canadiens traded a first-round pick, among other pieces. Dobson cost them two first-round picks, and Bolduc required a good young player in Logan Mailloux.
It was a hefty price to pay for the Montreal Canadiens, but it could be worth it in the end. Right now, it is hard to argue that there is a team that has as complete a roster as the Canadiens.
The job isn't done yet for the Montreal Canadiens, but even if they come up short this season, it is a great stepping stone to next year. Fans can also have confidence that Hughes will be able to pinpoint which players on the trade market can help move this team forward.
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