NHL Rumors: Canadiens GM Kent Hughes 'adores' $19,000,000 Bruins forward amid growing trade buzz

The Montreal Canadiens have started the season well with a 9-3-1 record. They are leading the Atlantic Division early after breaking their playoff drought last season. The team's offense is strong and is averaging 3.69 goals per game. Nick Suzuki (19 points) and young forward Cole Caufield (10 goals) are helping the attack.

The Habs are finally looking like contenders this season, after transitioning from a rebuilding team. Now, they are looking to fix their remaining loopholes, a second-line center void. This leaves us with a growing rumor about Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes and Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha.

TVA Sports reporter Nicolas Cloutier wrote on Monday that Hughes adores Zacha. The Czech forward is in the second-to-last year of his current four-year contract worth $19 million. His salary cap hit is $4.75 million per season through 2027.

"One of the worst-kept secrets in the NHL is that Hughes adores Bruins center Pavel Zacha. Hughes represented Zacha for Quartexx," Cloutier wrote [Translated from French] "... Trustworthy sources within the NHL assure us that Montreal is not on the list of teams Zacha would refuse... The NHL's second worst-kept secret: the Canadiens need a second-line center."

Zacha has 13 points in 15 games this season, and he could fit in that center role for the Habs. He has three goals and ten assists so far, with a plus-minus rating is +3, showing reliable two-way play. He also contributes to the power play with one goal and six assists, and plays 17 minutes per game.

A trade between the Canadiens and Bruins would be unusual, as the teams share one of the longest rivalries in the NHL. However, Zacha fits that role well, and his connection with Hughes could help make the trade.

"Discussions took place over the summer, including one about Zacha. Follow-up talks are planned when teams decide to sell." Cloutier wrote.

Apart from Canadiens, Canucks also had interest in Zacha

In late October, Pierre LeBrun said the Vancouver Canucks asked about Pavel Zacha during the summer. He reported that the Boston Bruins are not planning to trade him. The team sees Zacha as a long-term part of their roster.

"What I'm being told in terms of the Boston Bruins is that they view Pavel Zacha as a long-term fit," LeBrun said. "He only has another year in his deal after this year, but don't be surprised if they try to extend him this summer."

Zacha is 28 years old and has scored 47 points in 82 games last season. The Bruins value his consistent play and are most likely going to keep him.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar