An unusual trade opportunity may be opening for Kent Hughes, and it comes with a twist that could make it especially appealing for the Canadiens.
According to David Pagnotta, the Anaheim Ducks are trying hard to move forward Frank Vatrano, and they may even be willing to sweeten the deal by attaching a draft pick to the contract. As Pagnotta put it: "They're willing to package up a draft pick with Frank Vatrano."
That tells the whole story. Anaheim wants relief from the deal, and it sounds prepared to pay to make it happen.
For Montreal, that kind of setup is hard to ignore. Vatrano is a veteran winger, a player who has already shown he can score in bunches, and someone who could slot into a top-six role. In the right scenario, the Canadiens could land a useful piece and an extra pick without giving up much at all.
Vatrano, 32, is carrying a cap hit of just over $4.5 million per season through 2028. He was a major producer for the Ducks in 2023-24, finishing with 37 goals and 60 points. Last season, he still put up 21 goals and 45 points, but this year has been a much tougher one for him.
That drop-off helps explain why Anaheim is so motivated to move him now.
If the Ducks do attach a draft pick, it would only add to the value for a Canadiens team still working its way through a rebuild. A veteran scorer plus an asset on top of that? That’s the kind of market opportunity front offices keep an eye on.
This is one to watch.
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Berard also came to Montreal in a trade that sent defensive prospect William Trudeau to the Rangers, so this was more than a simple depth signing. The next question is where he fits once the season gets here, because the Canadiens can stash him in Laval with the Rocket or let him battle for a fourth-line opening if he makes enough noise in camp. [Read more 🡒]