Kent Hughes might already be plotting his next masterstroke, and it starts with a Russian prospect who looks a lot like Ivan Demidov.
Hockey insider Grant McCagg teased the idea Thursday, promising more details on a live stream set for 7 PM.
McCagg says there is a Russian prospect eligible for the 2027 draft who draws real comparisons to Demidov's game.
He did not name the player. The reveal is being saved for his live show, and that alone has Habs fans talking.
McCagg's pitch leans on history, framing this as a chance for Hughes to channel Sam Pollock, the architect behind Montreal's dynasty years.
Pollock built that era by manipulating draft picks and trade timing better than anyone in the sport, and McCagg thinks Hughes has a similar opening now.
Demidov himself gives the comparison some real weight. He posted 19 goals, 43 assists and 62 points over 82 games this past season.
The tease points straight back to Sam Pollock's playbook
He was even better once the playoffs started, adding nine points over 19 games as Montreal pushed deep into the postseason.
Montreal beat Tampa Bay in seven games, then needed seven more to get past Buffalo, before Carolina eliminated them in the third round.
Montreal finished the regular season 48-24-10 for 106 points and sixth overall, proof the roster Hughes built already has real teeth.
The graphic McCagg posted shows his own face next to bold red text reading "Hughes Needs to Channel His Inner Pollock."
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Acting early matters if McCagg's read is accurate, since other teams tracking the same prospect will not wait around either.
Chasing an unnamed teenager two drafts away is still a gamble, and Montreal would need to surrender real currency to jump the line.
Whether this turns into a legitimate lead or just stream bait, Hughes has earned enough credibility that Habs fans want to find out.
Should the Canadiens actually trade assets to chase an unnamed 2027 prospect?
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