Kent Hughes places three Canadiens assets on the trade market, including one surprise

We have new information regarding Kent Hughes’ and the Montreal Canadiens’ intentions on the NHL trade market.

The Montreal Canadiens plan to use their first-round pick to improve their current roster, according to a report from David Pagnotta.

The message is quite revealing.

The club expects to use that pick one way or another in an effort to strengthen its lineup in the short term.

In other words, Montreal does not appear interested in making the selection.

The priority would be to add talent that can contribute immediately, meaning trading the pick for an established player.

It’s an approach that aligns with the team’s current status.

The Canadiens are coming off a run to the Eastern Conference Final, a sign that their competitive window is opening.

A first-round pick then becomes a valuable asset.

The kind of trade currency that can help unlock a major transaction.

Kent Hughes puts his first-round pick on display

The Canadiens’ name has been linked to several high-profile center targets, so it’s easy to imagine that this first-round pick would be included in any deal of that nature.

A first-round pick was included in most of the trade packages discussed by insiders.

It remains to be seen which specific deal this pick will ultimately be used in.

Wanting to use it is one thing; finding the right target at the right price is another.

But Hughes’ message to the rest of the league is clear: the Canadiens are in buyer mode.