The Canadiens' general manager has revealed his expectations for the upcoming season and it's rather unsettling

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David St-Jean
August 19, 2023 (8:26 PM)

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The upcoming season for the Canadiens will start in less than two months, and aside from a goalie-related transaction, the current lineup is expected to be quite similar to the one used by Martin St. Louis in the first game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

While the Canadiens will have several players returning who missed the latter part of the previous year due to injuries, all signs point to another challenging season for the CH in 2023-2024.

In a recent article by Marco D'Amico on the website Montreal Hockey Now, Kent Hughes shared his expectations for the upcoming season. The Canadiens' general manager acknowledged that his team is poised to face a tough season, but he is also convinced that the team is much stronger than the previous season.

"We have a competitive division, and that won't change in the near future. It's been the case for some time. It's not like any of those teams are going away. Do I think we're ready? On paper, the answer is no." - Kent Hughes

It's undeniable that the Atlantic Division, to which the Canadiens belong, will once again be extremely competitive this year, with teams like the Maple Leafs, Lightning, and Panthers. Additionally, teams like the Sabres and Senators might rise in strength this year.

However, Kent Hughes remains optimistic about the chances of his team causing an upset this season. He believes that the organization made excellent offseason additions and that the progression of numerous young players in the lineup could help the Canadiens take a step forward in the rebuilding process initiated by the Montreal team.

"But I'm optimistic, and we're going to let things play out. There's a reason we play these games. I think we're a better team this year than last year, but we have a lot of work to do to become the team we think we need to be." - Kent Hughes

After all, it might not be all that concerning if the Canadiens have a tough season, as it could potentially be beneficial in the long run. The Canadiens are far from ready to compete with the top teams in the league, and the opportunity to draft another high-quality prospect would allow the organization to continue its rebuilding efforts.

Do you believe the Habs will draft in the top 10 next June?