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It’s been a long time since a major fan trade proposal involving Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens made the rounds, so let’s dive into one.
This “play GM” scenario is just for fun, it’s not a rumor.
In this circulating proposal, the Montreal Canadiens would become the team landing the biggest star of the trio.
Montreal would acquire Artemi Panarin, with 50% of his salary retained, and would also add Brandon Carlo.
Nothing subtle here, it’s a blockbuster trade proposal that would have people talking at the Bell Centre for weeks.
On the other side, Toronto would receive Vincent Trocheck, with 25% retained, along with Mike Matheson.
New York would collect a big package, including Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok, plus draft picks and Joshua Roy.
Artemi Panarin and the Montreal Canadiens: a realistic match?
In 2024-2025, he played 80 games and recorded 89 points, including 37 goals.
In this scenario, the Habs would give up a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick, along with a young forward.
And while Toronto and New York are also moving their own picks, it creates a trade where everyone feels like they’re gaining something, even though everyone is paying a price.
Mike Matheson’s name is also key in this discussion, because he becomes the major piece leaving Montreal in this version.
In 2024-2025, he played 80 games with 31 points, including 6 goals and 25 assists.
In short, it’s a fantasy trade, but it sets up a simple question: do you pay that price, even for a name like Panarin (and it’s worth noting that adding Brandon Carlo would definitely not be insignificant here)?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics