With the Canadiens struggling for quite some time, the idea that Kent Hughes will be a buyer before the trade deadline is becoming less and less realistic. The team is still in a rebuilding phase, and paying a high price for a rental player would make no sense.

Canadiens’ Evans picks top corner for fifth goal in as many games

That said, according to Pierre LeBrun, Hughes is already preparing trades.. but for June. He has started making calls not to move immediately, but to see what could be possible this summer.

If the right offer comes along, he could even close the deal immediately.

A trade he would make in June would therefore involve a player who would be in Montreal for the long term, much like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook (and not just a simple rental player).

«Before March 7, Kent Hughes would be interested in making a trade that he would finalize in June.»

Pierre LeBrun

This means that if the Canadiens make a move before the deadline, it will only be for a trade that helps the team in the long run, similar to what he did with Alexandre Carrier as well.

Could the Canadiens be sellers?

There is also a scenario where the Canadiens actually become sellers before March 7.

In that case, Jake Evans, Joel Armia, David Savard, and Christian Dvorak could be on the move-but obviously not at any price.

According to Tony Marinaro and Jean-Charles Lajoie, the New Jersey Devils and the Tampa Bay Lightning have called Montreal regarding Jake Evans.

So, there is something real happening!

We especially know that the Devils have truly started the process to try to acquire Jake Evans. To be continued.

However, Kent Hughes is reportedly asking for at least a 2nd-round pick, and if that’s all he gets, he might choose to do nothing.

Canadiens, Jake Evans 'not close' on contract extension | TSN

David Savard traded.. only if he wants?

LeBrun also discussed the case of David Savard.

He is a respected veteran in Montreal, and according to him, the Canadiens might ask him what he prefers.

Perhaps Hughes will want to let him go to a contending team so he has a chance to win another Stanley Cup, similar to what they did with Jeff Petry.

With the Four Nations Faceoff break, discussions will intensify in the coming days.

Will we see movement in Montreal before March 7?