"Hughes tells some teams that the Canadiens are not looking for help in the middle. The message seems to be that Kirby Dach will have the opportunity to hold the second-line center position next season, while Alex Newhook could either move to the wing or take on the role of third-line center.
Other teams have not yet accepted this mindset and seem to think that many of Montreal's decisions this summer will be determined around or during the NHL draft, especially if Cayden Lindstrom is available at the fifth spot.
Lindstrom is ranked third among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau after projected first pick Macklin Celebrini and defenseman Artyom Levshunov. On the international side, the top three is led by defenseman Anton Silayev, followed by right winger Ivan Demidov in the second spot, and center Konsta Helenius in the third spot. It is increasingly believed that Lindstrom is high on Montreal's draft board, but if he is not available at the fifth spot, Hughes could move the pick."
- David Pagnotta, The Fourth Period
