Kent Hughes isn’t in the habit of revealing his plans.
He’s rather discreet in the way he does things, which is why you never know what to expect from him.
However, we do know that he had a plan this summer to add an offensive player to his line-up. He didn’t succeed, but that’s not because he wasn’t able to negotiate with other teams.
The Habs GM tried to move for Rutger McGoarty at the draft, and that’s no secret now.
That said… the Habs GM didn’t just talk to the Jets GM on the evening of June 28.
There was also a paper deal on Kent Hughes’ table before the draft… And it involved Ducks forward Trevor Zegras.
- Montreal: Trevor Zegras + a 2nd-round pick
- Anaheim: Logan Mailloux and the 21st overall pick in the first round (which became Michael Hage).
Even if the offer was turned down by the Habs, there’s an important aspect to the discussion here.
Logan Mailloux’s name was part of the discussion.
It means he’s not untouchable in Montreal… And it means he could possibly leave if a GM calls Kent Hughes to make him an offer he can’t refuse.
This information may startle some, because Mailloux did well in his first pro season. He and David Reinbacher are seen as the club’s next generation of right-sided defensemen, and yet his name still comes up in such an offer.
Special, though…
The Habs weren’t ready to go ahead with the deal because of the players drafted before 21st.
Remember that Kent Hughes was very, very happy after selecting him… :
Kent Hughes talks with @FriedgeHNIC on the #NHLDraft floor following the Michael Hage and Ivan Demidov picks. pic.twitter.com/4gSV9r622o
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 29, 2024
Overtime
– Ivan Demidov is skating at the SKA training camp.
Ivan Demidov is skating on the ice today at SKA training camp pic.twitter.com/gVwfWeJPa8
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 6, 2024
– Ah, and he’ll be wearing #91 this season.
DEMIDOV #91
– Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) August 6, 2024
– Looks like a monster…
This is Owen Protz: the 6’1, 214 pounds, physical shutdown defenseman drafted by the Habs in the 4th round this year.
He was a teammate of Florian Xhekaj in Brantford.
Elite Prospects called him “the most violent player on the ice at any given time.” pic.twitter.com/MhXoIwEQgd
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 6, 2024
– Time flies!
THIS DATE IN 1997: Barry Trotz is named the first head coach of the League’s newest franchise, the @PredsNHL, ahead of their inaugural season in 1998-99. Trotz is currently Nashville’s general manager. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/KBQWM7wtFD
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 6, 2024