A huge trade offer comprising three assets, including a possible first overall choice, was made to Kent Hughes.
In the video just released by the organization, the famous documentary on the behind-the-scenes of the 2024 NHL Draft, we learn this directly from the mouth of Kent Hughes.
The Montreal Canadiens received a massive trade offer involving a potential first overall pick
On the draft floor, as Kent Hughes is filmed by a camera, we see the Canadiens’ general manager turn to Martin Lapointe and say this:
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«If the draft doesn’t go as we want, would you trade the fifth overall pick for their unprotected 2025 first-round pick + a second-round pick?- Kent Hughes»
It’s clear that Hughes was visibly ready to accept this significant trade offer if Ivan Demidov was no longer available at the fifth spot.
He had a Plan B.
In the excerpt, the Canadiens’ general manager does not mention who made this substantial trade offer, but we clearly already have the answer.
A few days after the draft, the reputable insider Pierre LeBrun revealed this:
«It could have been fireworks at the start of the 2024 draft. I’m told that the Blackhawks offered their unprotected first-round pick next year, plus another pick, in exchange for the fourth overall pick.
I think it was pretty close, but the Blue Jackets declined. They really like Cayden Lindstrom. – Pierre LeBrun”
It seems the Blackhawks made the same offer to the Montreal Canadiens. They wanted to move to the second overall spot and the fifth overall spot.
Montreal Canadiens: The Blackhawks made a massive trade offer.
Considering that the Blackhawks will very likely be a lottery team again next year, and considering that their 2025 first-round pick could very well be first or second overall, it was a tempting offer.
However, I believe Kent Hughes made the right decision to ultimately decline and draft the excellent Ivan Demidov.
The young player, moreover, has an exemplary attitude.
We highly recommend the full documentary.
The excerpt where Hughes talks about this major trade offer can be found at the 21st minute.
