Kent Hughes' Best Move of the Off-Season: the Canadiens Truly Dodged a Bullet

There's a saying in the hockey world that the best trades are the ones you don't make, and there's a perfect example that clearly defines this philosophy at the moment.

The saga of the blockbuster trade involving Pierre-Luc Dubois was very tumultuous last summer, notably because the Montreal Canadiens were in the running to acquire the Quebec player.

Serious negotiations took place between the Winnipeg Jets and the Canadiens at that time, but at a certain point in the discussions, Kent Hughes eventually reconsidered, preferring to withdraw from the race for the 25-year-old forward.

Ultimately, Dubois joined Los Angeles with an eight-year contract worth $8.5 million per year, in exchange for Gabe Vilardi, Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, and a second-round pick in 2024.

This deal represented a costly investment for the Kings, not only in terms of assets given up, but also in terms of salary cap. The California team allocated 10.2% of its financial resources to accommodate Dubois.

After 29 games played with the Kings, this transaction is seriously turning sour for L.A., not only because of PLD's extremely disappointing performance, but also because of the emergence of the elements that were sent to Winnipeg.

Number 80 has only managed a meager assist in his last ten games, and he totals a poor production of five goals and 12 points. He is on track to have his worst season in the NHL, at a time when he is now one of the league's highest-paid players.

"As we previously pointed out, it's not just Dubois' performances that are causing a stir, but also those of the players obtained by the Jets.

Currently, Vilardi alone is producing more than double the points per 60 minutes played this year than Dubois. Even Iafallo, who was a 'salary dump' in this exchange, is producing more than the Quebecois. Ouch!"

If the trade had taken place in Montreal, Dubois would only be the 6th best scorer of the Canadiens, while being the club's highest-paid player at $8.5 million. Additionally, Hughes would have had to pay a Kirby Dach or a Kaiden Guhle in return, plus a possible first-round pick.

Clearly, the Canadiens' management avoided a real disaster in Montreal, and to think that Jean-Charles Lajoie was loudly claiming that it was necessary to trade the 5th overall pick of the last draft for him.

Previously on habslatest

Canadiens Appear to Have Finally Found a True First-Line Centre: After Years of Waiting the Core Piece of the Team is in Place

Exciting Boost Coming to the Canadiens: The Fate of a Top Prospect is Confirmed

Monster Trade Looming Between the Canadiens and Penguins? Norris-Winning Defenseman May Be Available

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