Cowan: Despite quiet off-season, Canadiens fans have a lot to be optimistic about

Much of the talk about the Canadiens this summer has been about how GM Kent Hughes has yet to make a significant trade to improve the team.

There’s still time for Hughes to do that with the season opener against the Maple Leafs set for Sept. 29 in Toronto.

But even if Hughes doesn’t make a trade before then, there’s plenty of reason for Canadiens fans to be optimistic heading into the season — starting with the fact the team hasn’t lost any key players.