Under the bright lights of the Bell Centre, while fans focused on the fierce action between the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues, something far more intriguing was unfolding in the shadows. Just above the ice, tucked away in the stands, a familiar figure surveyed the game with a calculating gaze: Steven Pleau, the Calgary Flames’ head professional scout, was back in Montreal for the fourth time this season. His repeated presence wasn’t lost on anyone paying attention—and it was the kind of silent signal that could mean the NHL trade market is about to explode.

As the Canadiens battled for every puck, Pleau’s notebook filled with observations, but the real story was happening off the ice. The Flames, mired in a miserable season and tumbling toward the bottom of the standings, are officially in sell mode. Rumors swirl that veterans like Nazem Kadri—earning $7 million a year and still producing top-six numbers—could soon be wearing a new jersey. With four years left on his contract and a reputation for clutch performances, Kadri’s name is suddenly everywhere, and the Bell Centre’s electric atmosphere seemed to buzz with possibility.

But Kadri isn’t the only name floating through the rumor mill. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, known for pulling surprises out of nowhere, has reportedly been burning up the phone lines, talking with the Nashville Predators, the St. Louis Blues, and anyone else who might have a game-changing piece to offer. According to insiders, Hughes is determined not to miss his chance if a big fish hits the market—whether it’s Kadri, Ryan O’Reilly, or another impact forward who could finally fill Montreal’s glaring need at center behind Nick Suzuki.

The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. As Pierre LeBrun revealed, the price for someone like O’Reilly is steep—a first-round pick and a top prospect. For the Canadiens, that means sacrificing a piece of the future for a shot at immediate relevance, a gamble that could define Hughes’ tenure in Montreal. Every move, every conversation, every glance from the press box is loaded with meaning. Was Steven Pleau watching a future Flame, or scouting a player destined to join the Canadiens? Is Kent Hughes about to pull off another blockbuster, or is this just smoke and mirrors in the lead-up to the trade deadline?

The answers remain hidden, but one thing is clear: the Canadiens’ front office is anything but quiet. As the final buzzer sounded and the crowd filed out, the real drama was just beginning. Montreal’s general manager is on the hunt, and the Flames’ top scout isn’t making these trips for nothing. For fans and insiders alike, the sense of anticipation is almost unbearable—who will be the next star to call Montreal home, and what will Hughes have to give up to make it happen?

With the trade market heating up and the pressure mounting, all eyes are on the Canadiens. The next move could change everything. And as the city waits for news, the only certainty is that Kent Hughes isn’t done yet.

Photo of Canadiens GM Kent Hughes and Flames logo

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

Last night at the Bell Centre, a familiar face was once again in the stands watching the Canadiens against the Blues.

The Flames’ head professional scout, Steven Pleau, was at the Canadiens game for a fourth time since the start of the season. The Flames are having a miserable season, sitting near the bottom of the standings, and they are already one of the clubs seen as moving into sell mode. Nazem Kadri is among the veterans whose name is circulating for a potential trade.

Let’s recall that Kadri, 35, earns $7 million per season until 2029, with four more years left on his contract. Last year, he recorded 35 goals and 75 points, which still gives him strong value as a top-six center on the trade market. On the Canadiens’ side, the need at forward has been clear for a long time, especially at center behind Nick Suzuki.

“The Flames’ head professional scout, Steven Pleau, will be making his fourth visit to the Bell Centre this season as the Canadiens host the Blues.

“The Canadiens’ general manager, Kent Hughes, continues to be active on the phone according to various insiders.”

– TVA Sports

According to Pierre LeBrun, Kent Hughes has already spoken both with the Nashville Predators and the St. Louis Blues to position himself if major names become available. And it just so happens that the Canadiens faced the Blues last night at the Bell Centre.

Ryan O’Reilly, a major file for Kent Hughes

With the Predators, the name that keeps coming up for Montreal is Ryan O’Reilly. The 34-year-old center has 21 points, including 9 goals, in 28 games this season and remains an important anchor in that locker room.

LeBrun has nevertheless suggested that the asking price for O’Reilly is around a first-round pick and a top prospect. We’re talking about a true commitment for the Canadiens, who would need to sacrifice a significant piece of their future to immediately address their longstanding hole at the second-line center position.

All signs point to Kent Hughes mainly wanting to ensure he doesn’t miss the opportunity if a Kadri or another impact forward officially hits the market.

That leaves the question everyone is wondering: Was Steven Pleau there to watch a future Flames player… or a future Canadien? The Canadiens GM’s phone must be heating up behind the scenes. It certainly looks like he’s preparing another rabbit out of his hat.