Canadiens GM Providing Modern, Refreshing Approach

The Montreal Canadiens were in quite a state of disarray during the 2021-22 season following their Cinderella Stanley Cup finals run, which saw them lose to Tampa, before totally falling apart under head coach Dominique Ducharme's guidance. They needed someone to guide them, and the newly added VP of Hockey Operations, Jeff Gorton, thought outside the box.

Kent Hughes was a long-tenured player agent, and the move shocked many, who were of the belief that a recycled general manager would be the likely decision in the end. However, it didn't work out that way.

Now, Hughes has been in the role since January 18, 2022, and has made numerous draft selections and trades to improve the team's composition. While Captain Nick Suzuki and the core Canadiens players are tasked with bringing the team back to contention, without Hughes' help, it is unclear where the team would be.

It was out with the old regime and in with the new, and since making his mark at the 2022 NHL Draft, Hughes and the new management group have displayed a refreshing approach. The players personalities have been displayed in draft videos, and even the Canadiens Rebuild episodes on Crave.

No longer are the players discouraged from being themselves, but encouraged to laugh and tell jokes. But they are also consulted before trades, and even ahead of pivotal draft selections.