Multiple Canadiens sources expect Kent Hughes to be aggressive on trade market this offseason

The trade deadline was quiet for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens. While many expected a major hockey trade, nothing materialized.

However, this might just be a temporary delay, as a report suggests that Kent Hughes will be very active in the summer.

In a recent article by Marco D'Amico for the site RG.org, a league executive stated that he would be stunned if the Canadiens did not make a trade this summer.

This was not the right time for Kent Hughes

According to D'Amico's source, the trade deadline was not an opportune time for Kent Hughes to make a move.

But the upcoming summer will be one to watch, and it could make a big splash.

"The trade deadline is not the time to build your team. It's an arms race," said a Canadiens source, per D'Amico. "They tried to find what they could, but there were so few sellers in this market that prices were sky-high. I fully expect the club to be aggressive this summer with all the draft capital and prospects they’ve accumulated."

Additionally, a pro scout said, per D'Amico:

“I'd be shocked if the Canadiens didn’t trade for an age-appropriate center this summer, especially with a young phenom like Ivan Demidov landing in Montreal next season. From what I’m hearing, the Canadiens feel like that’s the missing piece to get them to the playoffs. Much easier to acquire a top-six center with term in the offseason than in February or March, especially when you’re mostly offering futures.”

Additionally, Kent Hughes appears to have initiated discussions (last Friday) that could lead to a trade this summer.

Montreal Canadiens are definitely looking to improve their center depth

The source is clear: The price to improve on March 7 was extremely high.

The Canadiens were actively looking to strengthen their center depth before the trade deadline.

But with half of the league's teams doing the same, it didn't help Kent Hughes in his efforts.

"Almost every potential NHL playoff team was looking for help at center, and the options were very limited. Did you see the prices paid for Nelson, Laughton, and the other centers available just before the deadline? Those were very high prices because desperation is greater at this time of year," an NHL source told D'Amico.

With Kirby Dach not performing at center and Alex Newhook definitely not being a top-six player, they certainly need to find a solution —especially since the Habs need to properly surround Ivan Demidov for his NHL debut.