Canadiens' next major trade could reshape Martin St-Louis' entire lineup

Lane Hutson could get veteran help beside him as Martin St-Louis waits on Kent Hughes to attack two clear roster needs.

Stu Cowan reports there is little doubt Hughes wants to make another trade, with Montreal focused on adding a top-six forward and an experienced right-shot defenseman.

The preferred forward target is even more specific: a second-line center. That would give St-Louis another option down the middle and reshape how Montreal can build its top six.

The blue-line objective directly involves Hutson. The Canadiens would like an experienced right-shot defender capable of playing beside him and giving the young defenseman a steadier partner.

That combination tells plenty about Montreal's priorities. Hughes isn't simply searching for another useful body before camp; he's looking at two spots that could change the lineup's structure.

A center would address the forward hierarchy. A veteran beside Hutson could give St-Louis more flexibility with matchups, defensive-zone starts and the rest of his pairings.

There is no named trade target in Cowan's update, which means the next question is price. Teams know Montreal is actively looking, and that can make negotiations tougher as camp approaches.

" Stu Cowan: Re Canadiens: There's no doubt Kent Hughes wants to make a trade, with his main targets being a top-six forward - preferably a second-line centre - and an experienced right-shot defenceman to play alongside Lane Hutson - Montreal Gazette (8/12) "

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Martin St-Louis' lineup could look very different after Canadiens' next major trade

The center search may carry the bigger immediate impact. A legitimate second-line option would let Montreal spread its offensive talent across two units instead of forcing players into uncomfortable roles.

The defense request is different. Hutson doesn't need someone to take the puck away from him; Montreal needs a partner who can complement his movement and handle difficult minutes beside him.

That type of right-shot defenseman isn't always easy to acquire. Teams tend to hold onto dependable veterans who can play meaningful minutes, especially this close to training camp.

Hughes can also afford to be selective. Montreal doesn't need to force a deal simply to say the roster is finished, especially if the asking price includes an important young asset.

Still, Cowan's report makes the intention clear. The Canadiens are not treating their offseason work as complete, and management is looking for a transaction with real lineup consequences.

St-Louis would benefit on both fronts. Another center changes his top-six options, while a dependable partner for Hutson could stabilize the blue line without reducing Hutson's offensive freedom.

Montreal now enters the final stretch before camp with two defined targets and a GM looking for a deal. The next move could say plenty about how aggressive Hughes believes this team should be.

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