Montreal-Anaheim-New York action: Kent Hughes at the crossroads

The three-team trade proposal drawn up by former BPM Sports host Maxime Van Hooutte is already sparking discussions in the hockey world.

This ambitious scenario would involve the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers in a major trade that would reshuffle star players and prospects.

Here are the details of this explosive hypothesis:

Transaction Details:

In Montreal

Trevor Zegras (C, ANA)

Jacob Trouba (D, NYR)

In Anaheim

Kirby Dach (C, MTL)

Chris Kreider (LW, NYR)

In New York

Frank Vatrano (RW, ANA)

Logan Mailloux (D, MTL)

Montreal’s first pick in 2026 (top 10 defense)

Analysis by team:

Montreal: super hit or risky gamble?

For Canadians, this deal would be a bombshell. The addition of Trevor Zegras would inject a surprising dose of offense into a team looking to solidify its offensive core. Not to mention he’s Cole Caufield’s best friend.

Zegras would instantly become one of the Habs’ most sought after numbers.

In addition, Jacob Trouba, although he is associated with a handsome contract, would provide a physical presence and defensive stability that the CH needs a lot.

The fans would love him because he is so amazing with his body scans. At $5 million (if salary is withheld), he could end up in the top 4 defensive ends.

However, the loss of Kirby Dach and Logan Mailloux represents a significant sacrifice. Dach is in free fall, but was seen as a key future player in Montreal, and Mailloux, despite his controversies and defensive shortcomings, remains a prospect with great potential.

For the Ducks, trading Trevor Zegras is a risky move because they have so much undeveloped talent, but acquiring Kirby Dach and Chris Kreider could address their immediate needs.

The Ducks really need a big center and an experienced player who can score goals.

Dac is a versatile young center who will provide a steady solution if he can get going, while Kreider brings experience, toughness and undoubted talent in front of the net.

This combination could speed up the rebuild for the Ducks, who are looking to build around their young core with supporting pieces ready to go immediately.

The Rangers, for their part, want to free up payroll by looking to the future, not building everything.

By adding Kreider and Trouba, two pillars of the formation, they free up space under the salary cap while gathering promising assets.

Logan Mailloux represents a long-term investment for their blue line, and Montreal’s top pick in 2026 could be a high-value asset.

Frank Vatrano, who is already familiar with the Rangers, is a reliable player who would add offensive depth. Although this trade weakens their team in the short term, it could give them more flexibility moving forward.

This three-way deal would be dangerous for Kent Hughes and all the GMs involved.

Losing Dach and Mailloux could hurt.

For Montreal, the exchange of two young talents could divide the fans. Some will see Zegras as a key piece, but others will be reluctant to sacrifice so much of their future for a risky gamble, especially with Dach coming back from injury.

If it ends up restarting, Kent Hughes will get tomatoes.

Trouba’s contract could also hurt. Even with the salary deduction, Trouba is still a defender with uneven performance, which makes him a problem for the CH.

Yes, it hits like a train. But he can also be a threat in his own area, he who is often defocused defensively.

On the Anaheim side, even if Dach and Kreider become solid additions, Zegras is a popular player for the Ducks, and fans might find it difficult to leave his position.

On the New York side, by losing Trouba and Kreider, the Rangers could suffer from a lack of leadership and physical presence, which would immediately affect their competitiveness.

We are still talking about the Eastern Conference finalists.

This bold proposal could redefine the future of the three teams, but it remains complicated and dependent on many factors, including salary retention and risk appetite.

For Montreal, the opportunity to get a player like Zegras is rare, but the cost could be high.

However, Cole Caufield seems depressed these days and the arrival of his best friend could make him smile again.

Anaheim, for its part, must weigh the impact of losing a young star like Zegras against adding players ready to contribute immediately.

Kirby Dach had his best game in a long time last night. At least he was involved. A sign?

For the Rangers, the goal of freeing up salary cap space while harvesting future assets could justify this move, but at what cost to them now?

A move that, if it came to fruition, would be a major turning point in the NHL season.

But for now, it remains a bold dream that will spark debate…but seems like an impossible mission…