Kent Hughes slams the door on trade rumours involving key young players
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Kent Hughes is slamming the door shut on any trade involving Michael Hage or Jacob Fowler as rivals try to fleece the Canadiens.
Hage was a home-run pick in the first round, going 21st overall back in 2024. He’s currently shredding the NCAA with 12 goals and 35 points in just 25 games for Michigan.
The kid is a total dynamo who just led the World Juniors with 13 assists and grabbed a bronze medal. He’s proving to be a massive bargain for an organization that desperately needs offensive spark.
Then you have Jacob Fowler, the goalie who’s already making a splash in both the AHL and the big show. He’s locked in a 12-6-0 record with the Rocket this season, posting a stellar 2.19 goals-against average.
You don't trade away a goalie with that kind of ceiling just to fix a temporary hole on the wing. He’s even seen time in Montreal this year, showing he’s ready for the bright lights.
Alexander Zharovsky is another name teams are hunting, but Hughes isn’t budging on the Russian winger. The 34th overall pick from 2025 has already put up 13 goals and 35 points in the KHL as an 18-year-old.
Montreal refuses to sacrifice the rebuild
Insider Eric Macramalla reported that teams are asking for these three specifically, but management won’t even entertain the idea. It’s a non-starter for the Canadiens.
But the Habs are still looking for moves, maybe dangling Patrik Laine or Oliver Kapanen instead. They’ve got to do something to help the scoring, yet they won't touch the crown jewels.
So the message is clear to every other GM: don’t even bother calling about the future pillars. Hughes is working to protect the young core that has Montreal as the youngest team in the league.
And it’s the right call because you can't build a winner by shipping out the guys who are actually winning. The rebuild is finally getting some teeth.
The front office knows that Hage and Fowler are the future. They're not about to pull them out for a rental that won't matter in two years.
Yet the pressure to win now is growing as the fans get restless with the current skid. Hughes is holding his ground while the vultures circle.
The rebuild is safe for now, and the kids are staying put.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Detroit Red Wings in trade talks with Canadian team per Elliotte Friedman
Detroit Red Wings in trade talks with Canadian team per Elliotte Friedman