Canadiens Calling on Big Names Just Hours Before the 2026 NHL Draft

According to NHL insider and The Athletic columnist Pierre LeBrun, the Montreal Canadiens have several irons in the fire head into Friday night’s NHL draft. While they are said to be among the teams interested in Mason Marchment, GM Kent Hughes has been linked to other trade conversations.

LeBrun writes, “Montreal, by the way, is among the teams that called to check on Marchenko (and got told “No”). That shouldn’t surprise anyone.”

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He adds:

“My sense from talking to people around the league is that Habs GM Kent Hughes has not been shy about calling about guys who likely aren’t even available. My understanding is that he called the Islanders about Bo Horvat, too. And the answer was that he’s not available.”

What is Hughes Trying to Accomplish Here?

Known as a GM who pulls off deals that others didn’t have on their radar, the Canadiens have been successful in picking up useful pieces at discount prices. Alternatively, Hughes is not afraid to take big swings. He picked up Noah Dobson around this time last season and signed him to a new long-term, costly extension.

LeBrun writes, “What I like about this is that sometimes first-time GMs are scared to ask about so-called untouchables. All you can do is ask. No harm in that. Sometimes you get a surprising answer. But it also tells us that Montreal is trying to get a full scope of the trade market, not just the obvious names.”

So who might be on his radar? We know he kicked tires on Matthew Knies. What about someone like Matt Barzal? Could he reach out to the Vancouver Canucks and pick up someone from a franchise selling off key pieces? The Stars need to make room for Jason Robertson if they’re going to give him $13 million. The Vegas Golden Knights also need to clear space. What about someone like Tomas Hertl?

Next: 4 Teams Rejected: What We’re Hearing About the Jason Robertson Trade