Kent Hughes has added a very promising forward to the Canadiens' organization
Kent Hughes has spoken numerous times about the plan to build through the draft and with youth, and he has proven it once again in the last few hours.
The general manager has passed on players like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault and will stick to the plan with patience.
Seeing the contracts awarded to free agents this summer, it's safe to say mission accomplished. Many teams overpaid, while Hughes has his three best forwards for less than $25 million per year.
In total, over $1 billion was spent on signings yesterday, a record for July 1st.
Returning to Hughes, he is making small, simple moves that could pay off big. He has just invited young Alexander Zetterberg, who was overlooked in this year's draft.
He was ranked 30th among European prospects, but his small stature scared off other teams' executives.
Zetterberg was the 30th best European prospect according to the NHL Central Scouting. He was not drafted in Vegas.
He will play at Boston University this year. He is not Henrik's son.»
- J-F Chaumont
In Sweden this year, he tallied a very solid 58 points in 45 games. His skills are undeniable, but his small stature of 5'7" and 158 lbs scared off nearly everyone.
He certainly received other invitations but accepted the Habs'. I imagine Martin St-Louis's presence behind the bench had something to do with it. He also wears number 26, like St-Louis. Coincidence?
So Zetterberg is invited to the development camp, but if all goes well, he could sign a contract with the Habs as a free agent, just like Arber Xhekaj, who was also overlooked in the draft.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Kent Hughes is right to be patient, or should he sign big players now? | ||
| Be patient | 412 | 90 % |
| Sign big players now | 46 | 10 % |
| List of polls | ||
