In the past few hours, insider David Pagnotta shared several interesting updates regarding Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

We know that trades will be made in the coming weeks for the Habs, but thanks to Pagnotta and The Fourth Period, we now have a clearer idea of what management is trying to complete as a trade.

According to Pagnotta, this would likely involve a package deal to acquire another young NHL-caliber player.

Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton clearly want to attempt another trade similar to those for Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook.

The names that immediately come to mind are: Trevor Zegras, Dylan Cozens, and Mavrik Bourque.

The first two names are reportedly available for a trade, while the last one, Bourque, could be moved by Dallas to address other needs. Make no mistake, the Stars are aiming for the Stanley Cup this season.

Kent Hughes Wants to Acquire a Young NHL-Caliber Player

Here’s the exact statement:

«If we see something big materialize in Montreal, it will likely involve trading players to acquire additional assets.

[The Canadiens’ management] will then use those assets to create a package with draft picks to secure an NHL-caliber player.»

– David Pagnotta

Clearly, Hughes and Gorton plan to leverage their many draft picks to their advantage.

This is undoubtedly a good strategy.

The two most available players seem to be Cozens and Zegras, although Zegras is unfortunately injured at the moment.

This is definitely a situation to monitor as we approach the trade deadline.