NASHVILLE | Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes doesn’t appear to be using his final days in Nashville to hone his line-dancing moves.
• Also read: The CH searches the Rangers courtroom for the new Director of Sports Medicine
• Also read: Pierre-Luc Dubois: The Kings are ahead but the Canadian hasn’t said his last word yet
The hockey player would rather be very active in the transaction market.
According to TSN network’s Darren Dreger, the Habs would have tried their luck again on the Pierre-Luc Dubois file but didn’t get the roles the Winnipeg Jets are looking for, who want established players and not picks and hopes. He also points out that Dubois would prefer Los Angeles to Montreal.
It suggests the Montreal Canadiens have been trying to get back into the roster for Pierre-Luc Dubois but haven’t been able to gain a foothold. Montreal has ‘future’ assets, but WPG needs NHL-able players. LA has that and it seems PLD prefers the LA option. develop story.
—Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2023
An “age specific” player
What piques curiosity, however, is that Dreger suggests the Canadian is in the market to attract an “age-specific” attacker and feels that his selection and the depth of his defense mean he has the upper hand over the necessary ammunition to win them prospects.
Montreal will remain a fascinating team through this week’s activities. The Canadians are on the lookout for an age-specific forward and feel they have the right talents and D prospects to attract the right player.
—Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2023
What exactly does “specific age” mean? Following the logic that the organization is in the process of rebuilding with the youth and the core of the offensive team consists notably of Nick Suzuki (23 years), Cole Caufield (22 years) and Kirby Dach (22 years) we can assume that the team is not looking for a player in their thirties.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period website also argues that the Canadian has been active in the market since Monday in particular.
tea #GoHabsGo I edited the trading lines yesterday and this morning. Maybe there’s some sort of attraction on Montreal’s frontline today.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 27, 2023
Some plausible names
Considering that Pierre-Luc Dubois is no longer in the plans, the question arises: which attackers could interest the Canadian? The names of Alex DeBrincat (Ottawa), Travis Konecny (Philadelphia) and Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles) have fueled the rumor mill in recent weeks.
In the case of Byfield, it will be interesting to follow his situation should the Kings complete the trade for Dubois. The organization would end up with a trio of middle players consisting of Anze Kopitar, Phillip Danault and Dubois, leaving Byfield little chance in his favored position.
All of this is to follow. One thing is for sure, you’ll never get bored in Nashville.