Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Kent Hughes was closer than many realized to making a major acquisition.
Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports has just shared a fascinating piece of information about what was happening behind the scenes at the NHL trade deadline.
The Montreal Canadiens’ general manager was apparently very close to completing a major trade to acquire an excellent second-line center!
Re Canadiens: You need that 2nd line centerman; I really believe that Kent Hughes was really close to getting that centerman at the trade deadline; there’s still some work to be done here.
– Renaud Lavioe, Real Kyper & Bourne
Imagine if he had pulled it off.
Would it have made a difference in these 2026 playoffs?
The urgent need for a second-line center remains the Canadiens’ top priority, according to Renaud Lavoie
Let’s remember that the 2026 trade deadline came and went without any major acquisition being announced by the Canadiens.
Many questioned Kent Hughes’ apparent inactivity despite the team’s opportunity to make a deep run this season, but Renaud Lavoie now confirms that the general manager was actively working on a major deal behind the scenes.
Will that major trade target be revisited and reworked by Kent Hughes in the coming weeks?
Several names can now be analyzed as potential targets.
Pierre LeBrun recently reported the Canadiens’ interest in New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier this summer. But other centers could also be on Kent Hughes’ radar.While Nick Suzuki continues to excel as the organization’s number-one center, the second-line center position clearly remains a significant weakness.Alex Newhook has done a solid job, but he appears to be more effective as a winger.
That is precisely why Hughes continues to pursue this major acquisition.
In short, several names can indeed be analyzed as potential targets this summer.
Pierre LeBrun mentioned the Canadiens’ interest in Nico Hischier if the Devils captain becomes available.
But other options could exist as well.
Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets? Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins? Several veteran centers could potentially become available this summer.
It remains to be seen whether Kent Hughes will ultimately succeed in acquiring the long-sought second-line center during the 2026 offseason.
And whether the Canadiens will eventually be able to turn that acquisition into a Stanley Cup championship in the coming years.
The wait continues for Canadiens fans.
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Renaud Lavoie confirms major Kent Hughes rumour involving a Canadiens centre trade
Do you think Kent Hughes will succeed in acquiring a second-line center for the Canadiens by September?