Is Kent Hughes planning a big move in the draft? Big statement related to Josh Anderson surfaces

This hasn't been the most exciting trade deadline for the Montreal Canadiens, especially considering the team is rebuilding. Aside from two minor trades on March 3rd, Kent Hughes was one of the least active general managers at this point in the season.

However, that doesn't mean that Kent Hughes hasn't tried everything to improve his team. Unfortunately for him, his two best assets for a trade were injured, which hurt the negotiations considerably. For the rest of the players, there simply wasn't an interesting opportunity.

However, the Habs GM may very well get his act together at the next draft, which will take place in Nashville in June.

Hughes has publicly mentioned two goals he would like to address, adding a third first round pick in 2023 and adding a goalie of the future to his organization.

On La Poche Bleue le midi, Guillaume Latendresse said that Hughes could very well take the opportunity to trade forward Josh Anderson, which could allow him to fulfill both of his goals.

"Right now, Josh Anderson could be playing in Calgary, Pittsburgh or Edmonton. There are several teams that could use a player like Josh Anderson. If he keeps playing like this, his value will be at the top of the draft. I don't think Kent Hughes is going to be able to pass that up." - Guillaume Latendresse

One thing is for sure, the Habs will only agree to trade the big forward if the offer is worth it. The team's management was very demanding in its requests.

Latendresse also mentioned that Anderson has probably reached his full potential and that the next NHL draft could be the best time to monetize his services by sending him to a Stanley Cup contender.

"For a while now, Josh Anderson has been performing really well. We're seeing the player we needed to have when we acquired him. He's physical, he skates and I think he has consistency every night. Even if he's not always perfect offensively, he manages to be solid. Lately, I really like what I see from Josh Anderson. This is the best hockey I've seen from Josh Anderson with the Canadiens." - Guillaume Latendresse

As the Tricolore alum says, Anderson has been playing great hockey for several months. He just reached the 20-goal plateau, and could possibly score 25, by the end of the season.

It seems pretty clear that the market for him will grow this summer, as he can bring a very interesting dimension to a team that wants to make a deep run in the playoffs. It must be said that the spring dance, which is fast approaching, will cause great disappointment to many teams who believed in their chance to go far.

These teams will want to add or fill specific needs for the upcoming season, and Josh Anderson could be the type of player to fit many of these criteria. These teams may be willing to pay top dollar for him.

Previously on HockeyLatest

Emotional return to the locker room after the win against the Pittsburgh Penguins

Analyst makes another bold prediction about the Canadiens

New development regarding the signing of Jayden Struble

POLL
15 MARS \| 84 ANSWERS Is Kent Hughes planning a big move in the draft? Big statement related to Josh Anderson surfaces Would you trade Josh Anderson for a top prospect and a 2023 first round pick?
Yes	51	60.7 %
No	33	39.3 %
LIST OF POLLS