As the Canadian’s infirmary empties, Kent Hughes is sure to receive calls from his colleagues looking to recruit a veteran. The CEO will follow the suggestions closely, but will avoid depriving his club of its most important sources of knowledge.
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In that regard, given the presence of Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, Jordan Harris and Justin Barron, who are under 23 and doing very well in a rebuilding team, the Canadian’s general manager might be tempted to distance himself from Joel Edmundson or David to separate Savard.
We’re talking about two veterans who won the Stanley Cup, a valuable asset for a team contemplating a long run in the playoffs.
While acknowledging the possibility of a compromise, Hughes reiterated the importance of balance.
“If we can trade for a draft pick or add depth to a position that we’re not doing well in, maybe we’ll look into it,” he said.
“We are talking about two very important players in the dressing room but also important on the ice to teach our young players. The way they play, they help youngsters learn,” he added.
Plus, as a right-hander, Savard is virtually untouchable. Of the Canadian’s four right-backs, he is currently the only real regular. The others are Barron, Johnathan Kovacevic and Chris Wideman.
The Monahan case
Sean Monahan is another one Hughes’ phone is likely to vibrate for if he manages to fully recover from his foot injury.
Except that Monahan, who everyone saw under different skies in the latter part of the season, had served the Habs for an excellent two months before falling in combat in Vancouver on December 5th.
We only have to see the impact of this absence on Nick Suzuki’s performance to be convinced. Perhaps Hughes would do well to offer him a new contract?
With a cut in salary, of course, compared to the $6.37 million he’s received for each of the past seven years.
“We’re definitely better with Sean in the lineup,” said Hughes.
He then related the following anecdote.
“After five games everyone said we would trade him. I called him into my office. I told him that he was part of this team, that he would not be traded in the following weeks and that he was enjoying Montreal. »
Almost a comeback
However, Hughes still doesn’t know what the future holds for the one he acquired for absolutely nothing alongside a 2025 first-round pick.
“I told him three things could happen: he stays here, we just swap him, or we swap him by bringing him back over the summer. »
And it probably won’t be fixed until Monahan returns to the game.
“Sean is about to make a comeback,” Hughes concluded on the subject.