Another trade, another stroke of genius from Kent Hughes

I don't know if you have the same impression as I do, but it feels like Kent Hughes has been general manager of the Canadiens for five years, when it hasn't even been two. He's masterfully completed a number of major transactions, and the face of the team has completely changed.

This summer, for example, was fairly quiet, apart from the acquisition of Alex Newhook. The GM had changed the Rocket's roster more than anything else, until the three-team trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks.

Looking back, it's clear what a genius Hughes is.

Nathan Légaré has great potential, while Gustav Lindstrom is a good insurance policy and Tanner Pearson is an NHL player who knows how to win, as well as possibly becoming a bargaining chip at the trade deadline.

Add to that the three draft picks, and it looks like the CH paid big. But they didn't. Hughes gave away Mike Hoffman, who was no longer wanted with the team, and Rem Pitlick, who probably wouldn't have made the roster.

Fans often play out this scenario in their heads, swapping deadwood, and that's exactly what the GM did, while getting an interesting return.

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