Carey Price Trade Reveals Another Masterstroke From Canadiens GM Kent Hughes
In all the commotion surrounding the Carey Price trade, today reminds us of an essential element to the Canadiens' rebuild success: Kent Hughes is a sly fox.
The San Jose Sharks had been identified by many, including journalist Nicolas Cloutier, as the most logical trade partner for the Canadiens' GM. Clearly, Kent Hughes knew it too.
While everyone is wondering if he will manage to take advantage of the cap space created to acquire a second offensive center, let's take a moment to appreciate the genius of the Canadiens' GM.
Carey Price Trade: Another Stroke of Genius by Kent Hughes
Don't let anyone convince you otherwise: Kent Hughes, general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, pulled off a masterstroke by trading Carey Price's contract to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Gannon Laroque and a fifth-round pick in 2026.
This transaction freed up $10.5 million on the salary cap, offering crucial flexibility without resorting to long-term injured reserve (LTIR), which would have limited the team's options.
Experts expected Hughes would have to give up a second-round pick to unload Price's contract, given its massive cap hit and the unfavorable market, with all NHL teams already above the salary floor.
Instead of paying that steep price, Hughes skillfully negotiated, acquiring a 22-year-old defenseman whose career may be over due to injuries, but whose contract in no way harms the Canadiens.
This maneuver allows the Canadiens to consider major acquisitions, including a center to strengthen the top two lines, before the start of the season.
Hughes' patience and strategy paid off. He refused to give in to the high demands of other teams and turned a complex situation into a financial victory.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 5 | 1149 ANSWERS Carey Price Trade Reveals Another Masterstroke From Canadiens GM Kent Hughes Do you think Kent Hughes made a good move with the Carey Price trade? | ||
| Yes | 1087 | 94.6 % |
| No | 62 | 5.4 % |
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