Kent Hughes about to dip into the Avalanche's pool: Eric Engels weighs in
There were some interesting names in free agency this summer, but Kent Hughes avoided the trap and waited for a good opportunity with Patrik Laine.
Indeed, players like Steven Stamkos or Jonathan Marchessault received a lot of money and long contracts, which made no sense for a rebuilding team like the Canadiens.
Anyway, it's in the summer of 2025 that Kent Hughes will have a real chance to make a big move, similar to Jeff Gorton's signing of Artemi Panarin in New York.
On that note, Eric Engels, the Sportsnet journalist covering the Canadiens, was asked which player Kent Hughes might target next July. With Leon Draisaitl now signed, the best player is off the market.
If Rantanen does, I don't know where the Canadiens' attention will really go. [...]
But I would look at some veteran talents that are likely to be available and see if they fit the needs. Scanning the list, I see more than a few names that are probably on the Canadiens' radar.»
- Eric Engels
Personally, I agree with Engels. The Avalanche won't let Mikko Rantanen go, that's for sure. His chemistry with Nathan MacKinnon is incredible.
The Avalanche has three pillars: Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar. Gabriel Landeskog can also be added, even though he hasn't played in over a year, as he's expected to return this year.
We'll see if the Canadiens' GM will be able to make a big splash in free agency in 2025 and replicate what Jeff Gorton did in New York, but he will most likely have to look elsewhere than Colorado to shop.
Crédit : SportsnetCanadiens Mailbag: Who starts with Dach and Laine?
| POLL | ||
6 SEPTEMBRE | 185 ANSWERS Kent Hughes about to dip into the Avalanche's pool: Eric Engels weighs in Do you think Kent Hughes absolutely needs to make a big splash in the free agent market, as Jeff Gorton did? | ||
| Yes | 79 | 42.7 % |
| No | 106 | 57.3 % |
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