When the Montreal Canadiens made headlines at the 2025 NHL Draft, fans and insiders alike buzzed with speculation. Rumors swirled, phones rang off the hook, and Kent Hughes, the team’s ever-calculating general manager, seemed to be everywhere at once. But beneath the surface of those frantic hours, something much bigger was unfolding—a story that few saw coming and even fewer understood in real time.

The Canadiens were chasing more than just a name. They were pursuing a vision, a future-defining move that could reshape the blue line for years to come. But what if their first choice had slipped away? What if the deal everyone expected had collapsed at the last minute? Sources close to the organization hint at a secret strategy, a backup plan so bold it might have shocked the entire hockey world.

How far was Kent Hughes willing to go to secure the next cornerstone of his defense? What lengths did the Canadiens explore behind closed doors, and which rising star almost became the newest face in Montreal? The answers lie in a series of phone calls, draft picks, and a towering figure who nearly changed everything. Dive in to discover the untold drama behind the Canadiens’ draft night.

Photo of Radim Mrtka, Noah Dobson and Kent Hughes

Photo credit: HabsFanatics/NHL

According to what the excellent Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports reports, the Montreal Canadiens had indeed targeted a 6-foot-6 player for a trade.

If ever the acquisition of Noah Dobson (of the New York Islanders) had not worked out for Kent Hughes, he had a plan to move up in the draft order and get his hands on young Radim Mrtka.

It’s really interesting, and it shows just how much Kent Hughes always has 2-3 backup plans, and it also shows how proactive he always is.

Kent Hughes and the Canadiens had targeted acquiring the tall Radim Mrtka, if the Noah Dobson trade had not worked out

We love it!

“Kent Hughes had a contingency plan to move up in the draft if he wasn’t able to get his hands on Dobson.

The Canadiens had shown strong interest in right-shot defenseman Radim Mrtka, who was ultimately selected 9th.”

– Nic Cloutier

Mrtka eventually did become a defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres, as he was drafted 9th overall.

So we understand that, in any case, the Montreal Canadiens would have acquired an excellent right-handed defenseman this past June on draft night.

Plan A was Noah Dobson.

Plan B was Radim Mrtka.

It makes sense now why Kent Hughes spent so much time on the phone that day.

Personally, I am very happy with the acquisition of Noah Dobson by the Tricolore, because I really think it was worth giving up the 16th and 17th overall picks (plus Emil Heineman) to bring him to Montreal.

On the other hand, if we had given the 16th and 17th overall draft picks for a Radim Mrtka, it probably would have been more disappointing, or at least riskier.

Mrtka, 18 years old, is a giant-sized defenseman at 6-foot-6 and 207 pounds who was indeed drafted 9th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2025.

The Czech right-handed defenseman collected 35 points in 43 games last season in the WHL, with the Seattle Thunderbirds.