Kent Hughes has just made a significant statement regarding the acquisition of a high-impact free agent for the Canadiens

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Elias Edmonson
October 11, 2023 (10:30)

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In a very interesting interview with the excellent journalist Alexandre Gascon from Radio-Canada, the Canadiens' General Manager, Kent Hughes, unveiled several extremely captivating elements for the team's fans.

With a commendable franchise, he especially acknowledged that despite a group of talented young players, his organization lacks elite players, those capable of carrying the team to the Stanley Cup victory.

"I'm not sure we have enough top-tier talent in all aspects: in offense, defense, or among goalies. We'll always want to add more. Will it be through the draft, trades, or both? That remains to be determined."

Kent Hughes

He also admitted that with a promising reservoir of young players and an abundance of draft picks, which might even increase during the upcoming season, he potentially has the assets to make a big move in the coming years.

"It's done [finding an impact player through a trade]. When you have a lot of assets, draft ammunition, we could trade a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round pick in 2025 to get a player and at the same time still have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round pick. Do I expect us to draft with all our available picks? No. How we'll use them, we can't provide an exact plan. That's not how it works. But we know we have assets to get players."

Kent Hughes

Lastly, another very interesting point that Hughes discussed with the journalist is about the possibility of acquiring a high-impact free agent soon.

The Canadiens' GM admitted it's mainly about knowing the right time to strike. He pointed out a significant issue with acquiring key free agents, which currently hinders such an addition to his roster.

"The problem with free agents is that they're often 27, 28, 29 years old. Usually, the value of these contracts is at the beginning, not at the end. To get this type of player to help us, we have to believe we're closer. Because otherwise, when we're ready, they won't be."

Kent Hughes

While some fans would like to see the Canadiens be more active at this level to bring reinforcements to Montreal, Hughes' philosophy is precisely what the organization needs right now. The team is not ready to compete for a championship, and the timing isn't right for such a major acquisition with a free agent.

However, what's interesting to hear is that when the Canadiens are active in the market, this summer or in summer 2025, it means the organization is ready to take a new step towards the Stanley Cup.

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