Kent Hughes reportedly turned down a trade because of Oliver Kapanen

Since the serious injury suffered by forward Patrik Laine, many are wondering what Kent Hughes will do to replace him in the top-6.

Will he turn to the trade market? Will he try to acquire another forward? Well, for the moment, all indications suggest that the answer is no.

In my opinion, the last time a Canadiens GM made a ‘panic’ trade was when Marc Bergevin acquired Christian Dvorak from the Arizona Coyotes, immediately after Jesperi Kotkaniemi accepted an offer sheet.

Let’s just say it wasn’t the best trade of Marc Bergevin’s career. Panic trades are rarely beneficial.

Kent Hughes does not feel obliged to make a trade to replace Patrik Laine until the holidays

Instead of turning to the trade market, Kent Hughes seems ready to turn immediately to Oliver Kapanen.

Wow, we love it.

If Kapanen weren’t available, perhaps Hughes would have been more active in seeking a trade, but due to the emergence of the 21-year-old forward, the management can certainly afford to turn their backs on the trade market (at least for now).

Some trade options were on the table, but Oliver Kapanen allows the Kent Hughes/Jeff Gorton duo to turn away from them.

The team is relying on its pool of prospects to stay afloat and fight for a playoff spot, a source told Marco D’Amico of RG.org. Don’t expect a rushed trade or a panic move; it’s not going to happen.

So, this will be a story to watch in the coming days, but don’t expect to see Kapanen back in Sweden anytime soon.