Canadiens eye Nico Hischier as Kent Hughes ready to pay big for centre upgrade
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This is good news for Montreal Canadiens fans hoping for a major addition up front.
It was in an article for The Athletic that the insider turned up the heat on the situation.
A statement that says a lot about the organization’s intentions.
LeBrun did not mince words regarding Hughes’ interest in Hischier.
“If Nico Hischier became available, the Canadiens would not be fooling around and would be willing to pay the price,” he wrote.
He also added that Kent Hughes is already working hard on the type of major acquisition that could help the Canadiens take another step forward.
According to LeBrun, Hischier is essentially the left-handed version of Nick Suzuki, which would make the two an ideal one-two punch down the middle.
Kent Hughes would be willing to do a lot to acquire Nico Hischier
The biggest question remains whether the player will actually become available.
Hischier is one year away from unrestricted free agency, and New Jersey could simply choose to sign him to an extension.
Any trade would therefore likely come with a condition.
It is reasonable to believe that an acquisition would be accompanied by a long-term contract agreement for the Swiss center.
LeBrun also mentioned that the Canadiens will keep an eye on Dylan Larkin, although he is not considered their top priority.
You can read his full analysis here:
It remains to be seen whether New Jersey will ever open that door.
Montreal may be willing to pay the price, but the player still has to be genuinely available.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics