Conclusion of the trade made between the Montreal Canadiens and the Flames: the first-round pick obtained by Kent Hughes in 2022 loses value
Former Montreal Canadiens scout Grant McCagg and our colleagues at Marqueur have done an excellent job analyzing a new aspect of the major trade announced yesterday (involving Elias Lindholm) that will have a direct impact on Kent Hughes.
Clearly, it's indeed a transaction that changes a lot for the Habs.
Firstly, it significantly increases the value of Sean Monahan, who becomes plan A for many clubs:
But also, secondly, this transaction concluded between Vancouver and Calgary will have a direct impact on the 1st round pick that the Montreal Canadiens already own. (the one initially acquired with Monahan in the trade announced in 2022)
When Kent Hughes acquired Monahan (from Calgary) in 2022 in exchange for future considerations, let's remember that he also got his hands on a conditional 1st round pick.
To CALGARY: Future considerations"
Now that the Flames have traded Lindholm, who was their best player, and knowing they will be sellers in the coming months and will continue to weaken, the conditional 1st round pick loses value.
Here's why:
The Flames will likely be among the bottom ten teams next season, and if so, FLA's pick will go to MTL. I'm not sure what will happen if FLA ends up among the bottom ten."
Given that the Flames are headed for a rebuild and towards the bottom of the NHL standings, the first-round pick obtained by the CH is highly likely to become the Panthers'.
Another pick from the Panthers for Kent Hughes?
This is bad news because obviously, the Florida Panthers are very good.
They have a record of 31-14-4 this season and are likely to be a league powerhouse next year.
Therefore, it would unfortunately be surprising to see the Panthers' pick be in the top-20 of the 2025 draft class.
The pick will lose value, but let's agree that the original transaction remains quite a steal and a home run for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens.
| POLL | ||
What do you think Kent Hughes should aim for on the trade market? | ||
| A first round pick | 147 | 27.5 % |
| A young former 1st pick, like another Newhook | 243 | 45.4 % |
| Established players aged 26-27 | 134 | 25 % |
| Veterans aged 30 and older | 11 | 2.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
