The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, still believes in the playoffs if we rely on information from Hockey Night in Canada which were circulating yesterday during the Canadiens-Red Wings game.
With a team fighting to get back into the mix and finally a scary lineup with Patrik Laine, he knows the next move on the trade market could really help his team qualify.
The CH, who have not won a playoff series since 2021, desperately need a second quality center to support Nick Suzuki. Unfortunately, Kirby Dach was unable to answer the call.
Game after game, Kirby Dach's trio is one of the least effective at five against five. Not only is he struggling to generate offensive opportunities, but his repeated errors, like his costly penalties, are starting to exasperate the staff.
Hughes cannot afford to wait any longer if the Canadian still hopes for a place in the playoffs.
The transaction market offers tempting solutions to fill this gap. Among the potential targets, several names stand out:
Brock Nelson continues to bog down at Long Islanders.
With 10 goals and 10 assists in 34 games, he is not a shadow of himself. The 33-year-old striker had scored 34-36-37 goals in the last three seasons.
Nelson remains a prolific forward, ranking among the league's top 25 scorers in recent years.
Physically strong and consistent, he is a sure bet for a top-6 finish.
His $6 million contract expiring next summer makes him an accessible target, especially if the Islanders want to free up space under the salary cap.
Kent Hughes continues to say he doesn't want a rental player.
But if Nelson is ready to sign a contract extension with the CH, would the CH GM be interested in adding an experienced center for the next 3-4 years despite his advanced age?
Martin St-Louis proclaimed again yesterday that it feels good to have veterans to guide the young people. He really appreciates the arrival of Alexandre Carrier because he feels that finally, his CEO is looking to win now.
Hughes was ready to sign Marchessault last summer on a short contract.
Would he be willing to sign Brock Nelson if there is a possibility of a trade with the Islanders?
Nelson plays on the power play, shorthanded and is a very responsible right-handed center in both directions of the ice.
If Kirby Dach continues to get bogged down, the question has to be asked. Still, Nelson has a much better chance of being traded to a contending team.
If Hughes wants Nelson, he will have to sign him this summer.
It is said that Kent Hughes tried everything to get Josh Norris from the Senators. But while Ottawa is on fire and Norris is getting back on track, Hughes quickly understood that it was mission impossible.
The Sens are never going to trade Norris within their own division anyway.
With 13 goals and 21 points in 33 games this season, he still has enormous potential.
You have to wonder if Kent Hughe would be tempted to offer Brendan Gallagher or Josh Anderson to the Calgary Flames.
At $7 million per year until 2029, Kadri is a risky bet, but his childhood love for the Canadiens could work in Montreal's favor.
If Calgary agrees to retain part of his salary, he would become an affordable option for Hughes, especially if the latter finds a way to pass on an unwanted contract like Gally or Anderson, signed until 2027. ($6.5 million per year for Gallagher and $5.5 million per year for Anderson).
The most intriguing name on the market is Sam Bennett.
With his contract expiring this summer, he represents a unique opportunity, but Florida will want a player who can contribute immediately. Offering Kirby Dach in return could be an option, but would it be enough?
You know the answer: no.
Kent Hughes is best off waiting until this summer to try to sign him on the free agent market.
The market is heating up, but Hughes will have to play his cards carefully. If he targets Nelson or Bennett, he will have to be willing to sacrifice picks or promising youngsters.
He may have to wait until this summer.
Norris represents a bold and above all impossible bet, while Kadri could be obtained at a reduced price, but at what cost in the long term?
Kent Hughes has no room for error. With a young team starting to have more and more chemistry, he not only has to think about this season, but also the long-term impact of each deal.
Finding the right second center is crucial to giving Martin St-Louis the tools necessary to revive this team for good and revive the fans' hopes.
Hughes has all the options before him, but time is running out. If Canadians still want to believe in a miracle, a courageous decision is required.
Will the CEO have the courage to transform this potential into results?
The next few weeks will tell us.
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