Rumour Roundup: Canadiens Looking To Make More Draft Trades

According to Darren Dreger, the Montreal Canadiens may not be done making trades ahead of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

General Manager Kent Hughes kicked things off by moving up five spots in the first round in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings. The deal saw Hughes use some of the draft capital he had acquired throughout the rebuild to improve their second pick in the first round.

INSTANT ANALYSIS: Montreal Canadiens Improve First-Round Draft Position Via Trade With The Kings

The Habs could use the improved pick to select a player they have targeted, however, that strategy banks on every other team in the draft ignoring the player before the 21st overall pick takes place. In other words, it’s not a guarantee.

Deger suggests Hughes has been working the phones in an attempt to add another top-10 draft pick to the mix. He also mentioned the Canadiens could be interested in moving up or down from their own pick, which is set for fifth overall.

Will be interesting to see if Hughes is able to work more magic. He’s hoping to add another top 10 pick and is listening to interest in moving up or slightly down from 5. He’s also involved in a number of player related discussions. https://t.co/4j59cGjLSt

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 28, 2024

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

Dreger’s comment is quite vague, but there is some merit to the idea that Hughes has been working to improve his overall draft pick value. The Habs likely see the 2024 NHL Entry Draft as the last chance they will have to pick in the top five. Adding another talented player to the mix in addition to the prospect they will pick at the fifth overall position fits into the age group that was established for the team’s long-term rebuild plans.

Of course, this could all be for naught from a draft-position point of view, as we know that Hughes is also interested in adding an NHL-calibre player to the mix, ideally a forward that could immediately make an impact in the lineup and absorb important top six minutes.