Kent Hughes mentioned in his end-of-year review that he has no intention of buying out a contract, but it could still happen.

Indeed, we can understand that the GM cannot disclose this kind of information publicly. If he had been even slightly vague in his response, rumors would have started swirling instantly and would never have stopped.

At least, that's what former NHL player Philippe Boucher believes. A buyout would make sense, especially with three potential candidates in Christian Dvorak, Josh Anderson, and Brendan Gallagher.


Joel Armia has one year left on his contract, but he showed this year that he still has his usefulness. His end of the season was well above expectations, it must be admitted.

As for Brendan Gallagher, he's still a spark plug and a leader for the young players, so I would be surprised if he left. For Josh Anderson, he's a player who can contribute something to the Canadiens even when he's not producing.

It's really with Christian Dvorak that it would likely happen in my opinion, if it were to happen. The center is often injured and difficult, if not impossible, to trade.

Again, I personally don't believe a buyout will happen, unlike Boucher. Kent Hughes hates losing a player for nothing, and he has the salary cap space to keep Dvorak for the remaining year of his contract.