On March 16, 2022, the Canadiens traded Ben Chiarot to the Florida Panthers for a first-round pick, a fourth-round selection, and prospect Ty Smilanic. This deal was not only met with near universal acclaim from the Habs faithful, but it triggered a bull market for defencemen.
As we approach the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, a major topic of discussion in Montreal has been whether general manager Kent Hughes would be able to turn the trick again, this time with Joel Edmundson. Much of this conversation has centred on whether Hughes can or can’t. However, recent developments may prompt a shifting of the narrative: the better question now might be whether Hughes should or shouldn’t.