The Montreal Canadiens are experiencing a turbulent start to the season, currently sitting last place in the NHL.

In response, management is considering strengthening the roster with a defenseman and a solid forward to support the lines.

However, options remain limited, as the current market is not particularly favorable to the Canadiens.

Kent Hughes must avoid making a trade he’ll regret, simply because of the current short-term struggles

According to Elliotte Friedman, Montreal needs to handle this transitional period with caution to avoid sacrificing young talent in a hasty trade.

«Montreal is in a dangerous zone where any recruitment error could have a lasting impact on the team’s rebuilding process,» he said.

The analyst also highlights the challenges Montreal faces in attracting talent: due to taxes and media pressure, the city is not seen as an ideal destination for many players.

However, Friedman believes that General Manager Kent Hughes has adopted a smart strategy by focusing on high draft picks, which could eventually turn the team into a more appealing destination for free agents.

For now, Hughes is prioritizing patience and careful resource management. He appears to understand the risk of trading a promising player to secure a temporary boost.

Meanwhile, fans hope that this strategy will ultimately pay off, allowing the Canadiens to rebuild sustainably while staying competitive in an uncertain season.

The good news is that I don’t believe Kent Hughes is the type to make a «panic trade.» He seems very rational and committed to his longer-term plan.