“I have already warned the players, I have no intention of making a fire sale. “In a press conference the day after the departure of Ben Chiarot for the Florida Panthers, Kent Hughes had sent this message quite clearly.
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Hughes and Jeff Gorton have already changed the image of the Canadiens a little in recent weeks with the trade of Tyler Toffoli for the Calgary Flames and Chiarot.
The CH has inflated its bank of choices by adding a first round choice in 2022 (Flames), a first round choice in 2023 (Panthers), a fourth round choice in 2022 (Rangers via the Panthers) and a choice of 5e round in 2023 (Flames). In addition to the four picks, Hughes also picked up two prospects in winger Emil Heineman and center Ty Smilanic.
On his first trade deadline in a role as GM of an NHL team, Hughes didn’t wait until one to midnight to move. The former players’ agent has already exchanged two important pieces, each time receiving interesting returns.
Big prizes
The deadline for trades in the NHL will strike at 3 p.m. today. Once again, sports television channels such as TVA Sports, RDS, TSN and Sportsnet will have several hours of air time to fill without necessarily describing new impact transactions.
Several big names have already changed sides. Early Saturday evening, the Flyers granted their captain Claude Giroux’s wish by selling him to the Florida Panthers. The Franco-Ontarian was the most gifted forward available on the market.
Also on Saturday, the Boston Bruins solidified their defensive squad with the addition of Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Ducks. Like the Panthers for Chiarot, the Bruins practically gave a kidney to acquire Lindholm. Don Sweeney, however, ensured that he would not only be a rental player by having him sign an eight-year contract extension and 52 million (6.5 million on average).
Giordano at home
There was also action on the eve of the deadline. The Maple Leafs imitated the Panthers and the Bruins by looking for reinforcements on the blue line. Kyle Dubas sacrificed a pick of 2e turn in 2022, a choice of 2e turn in 2023 and a choice of 3e round in 2024 against Seattle Kraken captain Mark Giordano. The Kraken also traded forward Colin Blackwell in this pact.
“It means a lot to me to have a chance to play for the Stanley Cup with the Leafs,” said Giordano, who is from Toronto. The Leafs were among the teams I was targeting. Going back to my hometown is a big bonus. The talent level of this team compares to other very good teams in the NHL. »
To facilitate this transaction, the Kraken retained 50% of the last year of Giordano’s contract (6.75 million).
There is no doubt. Teams eager to improve for the playoffs are not afraid to pay high prices. This is clearly a favorable context for sellers.
Hughes will therefore need to reflect on this last day for the exchanges. If he ever receives the moon for Artturi Lehkonen, he could be tempted. However, he will need to be more convincing to get rid of Jeff Petry and his heavy contract.
The Journal offers you a list of players likely to leave for the Habs.
Shea Weber
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
According to rumors that are rife, the Arizona Coyotes and the Canadiens have tried or will still try to haggle over the contract of the captain of the Canadiens. Both parties would benefit from it. Kent Hughes would free up space on his payroll in hopes of having more freedom over the summer. For his part, Bill Armstrong would increase his chances of reaching the salary floor without having to loosen the purse strings. Weber will actually make a total of $6 million over the next four seasons. It’s perfect for a team that will play in a 5,000-seat building and whose income will be modest.
Jeff Petry
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
Kent Hughes promised to trade him, provided the price was right. The heaviness and length of his contract put off more than one. Especially the way he’s been playing for a few months.
He’s more the type to switch places during the offseason when GMs have time to get their finances in order.
Artturi Lehkonen
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
Unless a general manager offers the Moon to Kent Hughes, Artturi Lehkonen will not leave Montreal. The services that the Finn brings to the Habs are worth a goldmine in the eyes of Hughes. He’s a pivotal player who can adapt to any linemate. His defensive work is impeccable. He also has an offensive touch, even if the puck does not always end up in the back of the net.
Paul Byron
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
He provided excellent service upon his arrival via waivers in October 2015. However, the past four seasons have been plagued with injuries, one of which required knee surgery. The world of sport is a cruel one and as the Habs got their hands on Rem Pitlick, a player very similar to Byron, eight years his junior and with a less expensive contract, the Ontarian could be sacrificed.
Chris Wideman
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
He’s the kind of defender who’s always wanted at the trade deadline. Teams aiming for a long run want to have all the ammunition possible and enough depth to cover injuries. The Canadian’s most used fullback with the advantage of a man, he could prove to be an interesting safety valve.
Mathieu Perreault
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
We no longer seem to have a plan for him in Montreal. A few days ago, his name was placed on waivers. Ignored by the 31 teams, he still remained in the environment of the Canadiens.
Recently, he returned to action after missing 22 games due to back pain. It is said that he is considering undergoing an operation.
Cédric Paquette
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
After being left out for 14 straight games, he was traded to the Laval Rocket on March 13, 24 hours after being placed on waivers. The striker has been used very little this season. He also missed ten games due to injury.
– Jonathan Bernier, Le Journal de Montreal