The Canadiens are expected to have another tough year, according to analysts, but the organization believes in itself and thinks it can surprise, and Kent Hughes does too.
Indeed, the general manager is very excited about what's to come and even speaks of a new phase for the Montreal Canadiens.
"We are at a point where we are sort of coming out of a phase where the focus was really on accumulating assets for the future and rebuilding the team. As we are sort of coming out of this phase, we're reaching a point where maybe a player will have a contract expiring and we won't trade him (at the trade deadline or otherwise) because he helps us win hockey games, even if we could trade him for future assets."
- Kent Hughes
The first player that comes to mind is undoubtedly David Savard. His value is really high for the young players and the organization. He is an outstanding leader who has done great things in the past, most recently for Arber Xhekaj.
Other players with expiring contracts include Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia, among others, but both are replaceable. Without naming names, I am convinced that Kent Hughes was thinking about David Savard.
This is very good news for the young players of the CH. It will be difficult to sign David Savard with the arrival of Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher, and Logan Mailloux, but at least he will be able to finish the season at home.