Montreal Canadiens Secure Multi-Year Extensions for Hughes and Gorton
Every time a major announcement drops for the Montreal Canadiens, the entire hockey world gets excited.
And this time, it's now official: Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have both received contract extensions with the organization.
This news comes barely 24 hours after the signing of Lane Hutson, confirming a week of stability and major decisions at the top of the Canadiens.
"MONTREAL - Montreal Canadiens Owner, President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Molson announced on Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms on multi-year contract extensions with hockey executive Jeff Gorton, as well as with General Manager Kent Hughes. Molson also announced that Gorton became President of Hockey Operations. Both executives were in the final year of their previous contracts."
"One day after completing a major piece of business - extending Lane Hutson for eight years - the Montreal Canadiens are closing in on two more: new contracts for Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and General Manager Kent Hughes.
TVA's Renaud Lavoie reported last month that the organization wished to extend them, and, according to several sources, that process is close to its conclusion. On at least three occasions, owner Geoff Molson has blocked other teams from speaking to Gorton, who was hired in November 2021. Hughes came aboard in January 2022."
- Elliotte Friedman
TVA's Renaud Lavoie reported last month that the organization wished to extend them, and, according to several sources, that process is close to its conclusion. On at least three occasions, owner Geoff Molson has blocked other teams from speaking to Gorton, who was hired in November 2021. Hughes came aboard in January 2022."
- Elliotte Friedman
A few minutes later, Nicolas Cloutier, also from TVA Sports, added that the Canadiens' management would make the news official before tonight's season opener against the Seattle Kraken at the Bell Centre.
The Hughes-Gorton duo confirmed long-term by the Montreal Canadiens
It's now done: the Canadiens are betting on continuity at the top.
Since their arrival, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have completely redefined the face of the team, combining patience and strategy to build a young, fast, and promising roster.
"I am very pleased that Jeff and Kent have committed to the Montreal Canadiens for an additional five years. Their commitment to building a world class organization has been unrelenting and will only get better as we progress in the years to come,» said Geoff Molson. " I would like to thank Jeff and Kent for taking this team and organization to where it is today, full of talent, size and speed with a support structure that is second to none, an objective from day one. I look forward to many more years working with them."
- Geoff Molson
- Geoff Molson
Under their leadership, the Canadiens drafted Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, and David Reinbacher, while executing several smart trades and magical contract extensions (like Hutson's).
I must say, I admire their ability to close deals and manage the salary cap with surgical precision.
I truly think they are real magicians of modern hockey.
In my eyes, this announcement proves that Geoff Molson fully believes in the plan in place and wants to maintain stability for the coming years.
And to be honest, I believe this news will add even more excitement to tonight's game.
The timing couldn't have been better.
