Hughes: Habs 'not looking to make a fire sale'

While the Montreal Canadiens can be classified as sellers ahead of the trade deadline, general manager Kent Hughes made it clear Thursday that not everyone on the team's roster is available.

“We’re not looking to make a fire sale,” Hughes said.

Hughes said he remains in the process of determining who he wants to be a part of the team's long-term future, noting that improved play under interim head coach Martin St. Louis has helped him make fairer observations after the team's abysmal start to the year.

#Habs Hughes says he’s further along in the assessment process of determining which players he wants to keep, but told the team, “We’re not looking to make a fire sale.” The team’s improved play since mid-February has helped Hughes make fairer observations. @TSN_Edge

After trading Ben Chiarot to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, Hughes said he remains open to dealing another blueliner in veteran Jeff Petry.

The general manager said he would only move the 34-year-old if the right deal arises for both the team and Petry.

#Habs Hughes wouldn’t specify what specific areas of need he wants to address by TDD, but reiterated that he will trade Petry if the right deal arises for the team and one which accommodates the player’s family situation. @TSN_Edge

Signed through 2024-25 at a cap hit of $6.25 million, Petry has four goals and 16 points in 53 games this season. He's topped the 40-point mark in each of the past four seasons.

The Canadiens will host the Dallas Stars on Thursday in their penultimate game before Monday's 3 p.m. ET deadline.