Hughes Sends Clear Message on What He's Willing to Do to Acquire Second-Line Center
As the Montreal Canadiens continue their search for a top-six forward, Kent Hughes surprised some by sending a clear message to the other NHL general managers.
The Canadiens are heading into a new season with a core of young, established players, and with that comes growing expectations.
It's clear that fans are hoping to see the team take the next step. That said, Kent Hughes made a statement on the matter that hasn't gone unnoticed.
In fact, during the press conference before the Canadiens' annual golf tournament, the general manager opened the door to a more aggressive approach on the trade market.
You could say Hughes didn't beat around the bush.
Kent Hughes Admits He's Willing to Overpay for the Right Trade
The quote has already sparked plenty of reactions in the media and on social networks.
"Overpay? The answer is yes, if the player we overpay for is going to help us for many years." - Kent Hughes
It's a direct message to other NHL general managers: the Canadiens are ready to make a move and invest heavily if the right opportunity comes along.
"Ultimately we don't feel like we're done building our hockey team, but we're in that phase where we're constructing the hockey team. If we have to overpay to get a specific player that we think will be important to the future of our team, then we'll do it."
- Hughes
- Hughes
With one of the richest prospect pools in the league, the Canadiens have the means to back up their ambitions.
Several scouts and analysts, including those at NHL.com, have pointed out that the organization may indeed have the deepest prospect pool in the league.
We all remember the trade of Logan Mailloux for Zachary Bolduc earlier this summer, a move that showed management isn't afraid to act when they believe the return is worth it.
I think (or at least hope) that if Hughes truly decides to bring out the heavy artillery, it will be to add a long-term core piece-not for a short-term gamble.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 1013 ANSWERS Hughes Sends Clear Message on What He's Willing to Do to Acquire Second-Line Center Do you think Kent Hughes should overpay to acquire an established player? | ||
| Yes | 458 | 45.2 % |
| No | 555 | 54.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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