Canadiens move up in first round of NHL draft and may not be done yet

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TJ Tucker
June 28, 2024 (1:44 PM)

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The Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings work out a deal that allows the Habs to pick higher in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, and more is expected

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes seems intent on climbing up the order as much as possible in the 2024 NHL Draft, and signs point to more moves yet to come. The Canadiens and LA Kings have swung a deal regarding first-round picks.

Hughes traded 26th overall pick in tonight's draft to the Kings, along with the 57th (second round), and a seventh rounder, in order to move up five spots in the first round. For the three picks, the Habs get the Kings 21st overall pick tonight.

"We've acquired the 26th, 57th and 198th overall selections in the 2024 NHL Draft from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the 21st overall pick.

Full Release 📝 https://bit.ly/3VLTQ8r"

The Canadiens already have the 5th overall pick in the 2024 Draft, but TSN's Darren Dreger says Hughes still isn't satisfied, and is hoping to snag another top-10 pick if he can find the right deal.

"Will be interesting to see if Hughes is able to work more magic. He's hoping to add another top 10 pick and is listening to interest in moving up or slightly down from 5. He's also involved in a number of player related discussions."

The Canadiens have something to prove in the 2024-25 season, especially when it comes to GM Hughes and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton. Both were hired to turn the team around at a low point, and the Canadiens will need to start showing improvement very soon, or there will be many questions from analysts, fans, and the ownership group.

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Was this trade with the LA Kings worth it for the Montreal Canadiens when it comes to moving up in the 2024 NHL Draft?
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