Failed Trade Involving Star Center Mathew Barzal Has Just Been Revealed
PUBLICATION
L. Honein
July 26, 2025Â Â (4:05 PM)
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders completed a major trade during the most recent NHL Draft.
But did you know this trade was only part of the New York organization’s plan?
In fact, as reported by insider David Pagnotta, Mathieu Darche intended to use the 16th and 17th picks acquired from the Canadiens to move up in the draft and select young American prospect James Hagens (a Long Island native).However, the price was simply too steep to acquire the fourth overall pick from the Utah Mammoth, whose general manager, Doug Armstrong, was targeting forward Mathew Barzal.
Utah Reportedly Made an Offer to the New York Islanders Involving Star Forward Mathew Barzal
That would’ve been massive!
Utah and the 4th overall pick: “They wanted Matt Barzal; I was told by someone with the Islanders, we like James Hagens, but we don’t like him that much”
– David Pagnotta
Since the asking price was far too high for the Islanders, they chose to keep their picks and selected forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson instead.
As for Hagens, the New York-area native ended up being selected by the Boston Bruins with the seventh overall pick, as you know.
This is yet another example of how much more goes on behind the scenes at the NHL Draft than we often realize.
In the end, all’s well that ends well for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, who still managed to land Noah Dobson.
Previously on HabsFanatics
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