Kent Hughes: his contract negotiations took 15 minutes

This sentence speaks volumes about the GM’s state of mind. After more than three years leading the rebuilding of the Canadiens, Hughes can finally afford to look ahead. His team is no longer a vague project. It has an identity, a solid core and a clear direction. And for the first time since his arrival, you can feel that he’s enjoying competing again.

Because let’s face it: when he accepted the job in 2022, it was a leap in the dark. The organization was coming off a disastrous season, morale was low and room for manoeuvre virtually non-existent. Three years later, things have changed: Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov and Noah Dobson form the core of this new era. Kent Hughes has transformed a shattered team into a credible and ambitious project.

His five-year contract extension, concluded in a quarter of an hour, is no accident. It’s a sign that he wants to stay in action and continue the work he’s started. No need for mind-boggling figures or complex clauses: he wants to build for several years, period.

“We don’t do this job to get loved. We do it to try to accomplish something.” – Kent Hughes

It’s all there. A straightforward, lucid sentence, in the image of the great man he is. Kent Hughes doesn’t seek compliments, but he does seek results.

Of course, a quick signature doesn’t guarantee anything on the ice. But it sends a clear message: Kent Hughes believes in his plan, and he wants to see it through. After years of patience, he can finally feed his competitive spirit. And if the rebuilding of the Canadiens were to have a face, it would be that of a calm, convinced managing director… and ready to fight to get Montreal back to winning the Stanley Cup.

overtime

– Ivan Demidov revitalized the Habs’ powerplay.

– Mackline Celebrini picks up where he left off last season.

– The Wild have one of the worst numerical disadvantages in the NHL.

– Michael Misa scores his first big league goal.

– Goalie Carl Lindbom makes his NHL debut against the Lightning.