Montreal Canadiens reportedly eyeing massive off-season trade

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Graham Montgomery
July 20, 2024 (9:50 PM)

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Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is reportedly looking to make at least one more major splash this summer in the trade market.

As things stand currently, the Habs will likely miss the playoffs once again next season. Their core is slowly coming together with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky leading the way. However, the young team is still at least one or two more big pieces away from being true contenders once more. According to new rumors, Kent Hughes may very well be looking to add that next piece as soon as possible. One player he has been rumored to be interested in is Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets.

According to Slovak media, the Habs have apparently offered Filip Mesar, a 2025 1st round pick & either Justin Barron or Jordan Harris to the Winnipeg Jets for Rutger McGroarty 👀

McGroarty was drafted 14th overall in 2022 and has yet to play in the NHL. He has become one of the best prospects in hockey though, having scored 52 points for the University of Michigan last season. He will be going back to Michigan next year though, which puts the pressure on the Jets to move him before his rights expire.

Another player that has been linked to Montreal is Columbus forward Patrick Laine. Like McGroarty, he has reportedly requested a trade, and many teams are interested. However, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell did not sound like he was chomping at the bit to trade him when he discussed the forward recently.

"Teams continue to inquire about any updates. I tell them: you need to be comfortable [with Laine] and I can't help you with that. I don't know the athlete personally. I'm not someone trying to deceive people.

There aren't many free agents available. If clubs have cap space today, they'll probably still have it tomorrow. I know some teams are interested."

Both players could be fits for Montreal. Both fit the team's timeline as McGroarty is just 20 years old while Laine is only 26, although it feels like he's been in the league forever already. Whether or nor Hughes will actually pull the trigger on either player remains to be seen.

Source: HabsFanatics
Kent Hughes to make massive off-season trade: Sportsnet officially comments

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JUILLET 20 \| 283 ANSWERS Montreal Canadiens reportedly eyeing massive off-season trade Do you think Kent Hughes will make another major trade for the Montreal Canadiens this summer?
Yes	177	62.5 %
No	106	37.5 %
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