Revisiting Kent Hughes’ Key Moves for the Canadiens in 2025-26

When a team makes a deep playoff run, it becomes easier to look back at the moves made by management and evaluate their impact. While some transactions take years to fully judge, Kent Hughes deserves credit for several decisions that helped strengthen the Montreal Canadiens both in the short and long term. From trades to free-agent signings, Montreal’s general manager was active in finding ways to improve his roster without sacrificing the future.

Zachary Bolduc for Logan Mailloux

One of the most debated moves of the season was the trade that sent defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Zachary Bolduc. At first glance, both organizations addressed specific needs. Montreal wanted another young forward with offensive upside, while St. Louis was looking for help on the right side of its defense.

Bolduc enjoyed a decent rookie season in 2024-25 and showed flashes of why the Canadiens were interested in him. While it was tougher at times this season, Bolduc showed that his style of play translated well to the playoffs. He brought energy, forechecking pressure, physicality, and chipped in offensively when called upon. At just 23 years old, there is still plenty of room for growth in his game, making him an intriguing piece for Montreal moving forward.

That said, the Canadiens gave up a significant asset. Right-handed defensemen are not easy to find, and Mailloux demonstrated his value by playing over 20 minutes per game from March until the end of the regular season. He possesses size, mobility, and offensive instincts that remain attractive for any NHL organization.

For now, it is far too early to declare a winner. Both teams acquired a player who fills an organizational need, and both players still have plenty of development ahead of them. At this stage, it looks like a trade that could benefit both sides.

Phillip Danault 

The acquisition of Phillip Danault may end up being one of Hughes’ most underrated moves. The Los Angeles Kings were looking to move the veteran center after a disastrous offensive start to the season. Through his first 30 games, Danault had recorded just five assists and appeared to be declining offensively. As a result, Los Angeles accepted a second-round pick in return.

For Montreal, however, the move was never solely about offense. Danault immediately gave the Canadiens another reliable center capable of handling difficult defensive assignments, winning faceoffs, and playing heavy playoff minutes. His arrival stabilized the middle of the lineup and gave head coach Martin St. Louis more flexibility with his forward combinations.

The playoffs have highlighted exactly why the Canadiens targeted him. Danault has been excellent in the faceoff circle, responsible defensively, and has chipped in offensively when needed. His experience has also been invaluable for a relatively young Montreal roster navigating meaningful playoff games.

Perhaps the best part of the trade is that Danault remains under contract for another season. This was not a rental acquisition. The Canadiens will continue to benefit from his presence next season while still giving their younger centers time to develop properly.

Signing Alexandre Texier

When Montreal acquired Alexandre Texier, the organization was dealing with numerous injuries throughout the lineup. The Canadiens simply needed NHL players capable of stepping into the lineup and providing competent minutes.

At a cap hit of just one million for the remainder of the season, Texier represented a low-risk addition with potential upside. The move worked out even better than expected. Texier brought versatility and secondary offense while fitting comfortably into different roles throughout the lineup.

Whether he was playing on a scoring line or in a more depth role, Texier consistently contributed positive minutes. His solid start in Montreal forced Hughes to secure his services by signing him to a two-year extension worth $2.5 million annually.

A Quiet Free-Agent Period

Unlike some teams that spend heavily every summer, the Canadiens took a more conservative approach in free agency. The biggest additions included Samuel Blais, Joe Veleno, and Kaapo Kähkönen. None of these signings generated major headlines, but they were never intended to. Instead, Hughes focused on adding organizational depth.

Blais and Kähkönen spent most of their time with the Laval Rocket, helping provide stability and veteran leadership for the Rocket while serving as insurance in case of injuries. Veleno saw occasional NHL action, primarily filling a fourth-line role when needed.

None of these players dramatically altered Montreal’s season, but they fulfilled the purpose for which they were signed. Successful organizations need depth throughout the system, and Hughes ensured the Canadiens had options available whenever injuries struck.

The final verdict on some of these moves may take years to determine, but based on what we’ve seen so far, Hughes once again showed an ability to identify value and improve his roster without compromising the future of the franchise.