The “Untouchables” List: Why Kent Hughes Might Finally Say No at the NHL Trade Deadline

The Montreal Canadiens are no longer just “happy to be here.” After clawing their way into the postseason last spring, the 2025-26 Habs have evolved into a legitimate threat, sitting just three points out of the Atlantic Division lead. With the NHL trade deadline looming, the urge to push all the chips to the center of the table is palpable. But according to TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button, GM Kent Hughes is facing a new kind of test: knowing when not to trade.

Hughes has already proven he’s not afraid of the blockbuster. He stunned the league this summer by landing defenseman Noah Dobson and recently added veteran savvy with the return of Phillip Danault. These moves signaled that the rebuild is officially over. However, as the deadline approaches, Button warns that while Hughes should remain opportunistic, two specific prospects in the system must remain completely off-limits—no matter who is available.

The Aggressive Opportunist

“When opportunity presents itself, managers should always be ready to act,” Button says regarding Hughes’ strategy. The Canadiens’ GM has built a reputation for calculated aggression. He doesn’t wait for arbitrary dates on the calendar; he strikes when the value aligns with his vision.

We saw this last year when Hughes refused to sell off pending free agents, prioritizing the team’s playoff push over mid-round draft picks. That gamble paid off with a postseason berth. We saw it again with the acquisition of Dobson to anchor the blue line and Danault to stabilize the middle six.

But this deadline feels different. The roster is about to get a massive internal boost.

The “Internal” Trade Deadline

Before Hughes even picks up the phone, the Canadiens are set to receive reinforcements that rival any trade acquisition. Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook are nearing returns, and there is optimism that Patrik Laine will be back in the mix soon.

“Seeing how your team functions with your full health at hand is really important,” Button notes. Integrating these high-end talents into a lineup that has already surged to the top of the Atlantic is a luxury most contenders dream of. With Kaiden Guhle already back and stabilizing the defense, the Habs might already have the pieces they need to go deep.

The Untouchables: Fowler and Hage

If Hughes does decide to go shopping, what is the currency? According to Button, the cupboard is full, but the top shelf should be locked. When asked if any prospects are truly “untouchable,” Button didn’t hesitate to name two: goaltender Jacob Fowler and center Michael Hage.

“If there’s two players that I would be really reluctant to move unless there was something significant, it would be Jacob Fowler and it would be Michael Hage,” Button stated.

Fowler, currently dominating in Laval, is viewed by many as the heir apparent in the crease—a potential number-one goalie who thrives under pressure. Hage, tearing it up at Michigan, projects as a top-tier offensive center who could drive the Canadiens’ top six for a decade.

Button’s warning to rival GMs is clear: “If you’re talking about Fowler and Hage, you better come talking seriously about real players because I’m not trading those guys unless I’m getting something back real that helps me right now.”

The Verdict

The window is open, and the Atlantic Division is there for the taking. While FanDuel still lists the Canadiens at 50-to-1 odds to win the Cup—trailing 11 other teams including the Leafs—the vibe in Montreal suggests the bookmakers might be lagging behind reality.

Kent Hughes has the assets to make another splash. But for the first time in his tenure, the smartest move might be to protect the future while letting the present roster—bolstered by returning stars—prove they are ready to win on their own.

Want to track the Habs’ playoff push?

Stay ahead of the game with our real-time coverage of the NHL point leaders 2025-26 and latest Montreal Canadiens news. Plus, think you know more than the experts? Join our Fantasy Hockey Pool today for a chance to win cash prizes and bragging rights!

Don’t forget to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below to get breaking trade alerts sent directly to your inbox.