Entering his third year as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes is focused on steering the team from a rebuild to playoff contention.
As a result, he’s made plenty of transactions that have transformed the Habs’ core while shedding a few bad contracts he inherited from the previous administration.
Whether it was turning Jeff Petry into Mike Matheson or acquiring a first-round pick by taking on Sean Monahan’s contract and later flipping him for another, Hughes has a proven knack for wheeling and dealing.
But while his record is pretty stellar, not every move has worked out as planned.
With that in mind, here’s a look at three of the GM’s trades that have yet to be seen as wins.
Kirby Dach – July 7, 2022
Montreal Canadiens receive: Kirby Dach
Chicago Blackhawks receive: 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick
In one of two blockbuster trades made during the 2022 Draft, the Habs acquired Kirby Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a first- and second-round pick. At the time, the 6-foot-4 centre was seen as a promising piece that could accelerate the Canadiens’ rebuild.
Dach got off to a strong start in Montreal, posting a career-high 38 points in his first season, which sparked excitement about his potential. Unfortunately, that momentum came to a halt early in the 2023-24 season when he suffered MCL and ACL injuries just two games into the year.
Though he’s returned to the lineup this season, Dach hasn’t been able to rediscover his old form, registering only two goals through the first 30 games of the season and posting one of the worst plus-minus ratings in the league.
As for the picks Montreal gave up, Chicago used one of them to select forward Frank Nazar, who is currently dominating at the AHL level.
Alex Newhook – June 27, 2023
Montreal Canadiens receive: Alex Newhook
Colorado Avalanche receive: 2023 first-round pick, 2023 second-round pick, Gianni Fairbrother
Less than a year after acquiring Kirby Dach, Hughes made another bold move in the 2023 offseason to bring in Alex Newhook. Aiming to further strengthen Montreal’s top six, Hughes sent a first- and second-round pick, along with prospect Gianni Fairbrother, to the Colorado Avalanche for the forward.
While Newhook posted a solid 34 points in 2023-24, he hasn’t yet justified his hefty price tag. Through the first 30 games of the ongoing season, the 23-year-old, who plays on the Habs’ top line, has managed six goals and is still looking for his first assist.
Meanwhile, the Avalanche made the most of Montreal’s assets, using the first-round pick to select promising defensive prospect Mikhail Gulyayev — who’s quickly becoming one of the brightest stars in their system.
Colorado traded the 37th overall pick to Tampa Bay for forward Ross Colton, further bolstering their depth.
Jake Allen – March 8, 2024
Canadiens receive: 2025 conditional third-round pick
New Jersey Devils receive: Jake Allen
At the 2024 trade deadline, the Canadiens ended their uncomfortable three-goalie rotation, sending veteran goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils for a conditional second-round pick.
Allen waived his no-trade clause to join a playoff contender, but with backup Cayden Primeau struggling through the worst stats of his career, many are questioning whether Montreal sent the wrong goalie packing.
Additionally, the second-rounder Montreal received came with a heavy set of conditions. Allen must play at least 40 games in 2024-25 and help the Devils qualify for the 2025 playoffs for it to come to fruition. If those conditions aren’t met, the Canadiens will get a third-round pick instead.
Montreal is also retaining 50% of the 34-year-old’s salary for the rest of this season.
To add insult to injury, Allen is posting better numbers than both members of Montreal’s current goalie tandem, with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage on the year so far.