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As injuries pile up for the Canadiens, Kent Hughes keeps seeking upgrades, and young players like Engstrom, Kapanen, Struble, and even Matheson are suddenly in the mix.
“Hughes is active in making calls and checking in on players. We know Nashville and St. Louis are also talking to everyone right now, added,” added the source. “Lots of chatter, let’s see where it goes.”
– Marco D’Amico
It is in this context that analyst Spencer Chaisson brought forward five Habs names currently circulating in Kent Hughes’ discussions.
Montreal is still looking at the market to find a center or a top-six forward.
With all the young defensemen the Canadiens have, it is normal that several teams are interested.
To me, it clearly shows that management wants to keep moving forward without falling into decisions made too quickly.
“I assume Engstrom, Kapanen and Struble are all pieces that are being shopped around currently to improve this area.
To me those are the best young “NHL Pieces” with high trade value that Montreal can afford to give up.
Matheson is another name that could be included if the deal makes sense / they can solve his minutes with a RHD partner for Hutson, otherwise, I expect him to stay.
Carrier is another name I don’t see being talked about but I could see moving as well”
– Spencer Chaisson
Engstrom, Kapanen, and Struble among the young players most often mentioned
Adam Engstrom, who was recently called up, is the one generating the most buzz. We have not yet seen him in the NHL, but I think he could really surprise us! Several teams like his profile and wonder how far he can rise.Oliver Kapanen comes up often as well. He is a smart center, capable of playing a two-way game, and he holds solid value. Jayden Struble, for his part, remains a good young, rugged defenseman who could interest teams lacking stability.
Chaisson then adds two more important names.
Mike Matheson could be considered if the Canadiens find the perfect top-six player, but it is certain that it would sting to see him go.
And Alex Carrier, acquired last year, is a player nobody mentions, but who could also move if the right offer comes along. However, he is having a somewhat more difficult start to the season.
I believe that for the first time in a while, the Canadiens are truly shopping from a position of strength, because several young players are performing well.
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‘Hughes is active in making calls’: Unexpected names emerge in the Canadiens’ push for a top-six forward
Do you think the Montreal Canadiens should trade one of these five players to add a top-six forward?