General Manager Kent Hughes gave a press conference on Thursday morning, speaking of course of the trade the Montreal Canadiens made involving Ben Chiarot.
During the Q&A session, Kent Hughes revealed certain plans the Canadiens have between now and the NHL Trade Deadline on Monday and beyond. Before all of that however, Hughes revealed that the plan was always to get a 2023 first round pick, given that the team is stacked in picks for 2022. There were negotiations involving a contract extension this past summer with former GM Marc Bergevin, however once Hughes was in place, there was no doubt that he would trade Chiarot.
Kent Hughes says the ask on Chiarot was always a 2023 first-rounder.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 17, 2022
He mentions that he had the opportunity to watch newly acquired player Ty Smilanic as his son is a year younger than him. He claims Siminac is a speedy forward who can score, which is the kind of player that the organization is aiming for. He mentions that he will look at upgrades but he will favor to increase speed and scoring talent.
On replacing Ben Chiarot
Kent Hughes has mentioned that he is not looking for “another Ben Chiarot”. He will evaluate everyone closely with upper management and the coaching staff in order to find the right player that will compliment the coaches and the overall skills of the team. It seems that the one-man-show that was Marc Bergevin is stuff of the past as Hughes seems to be communicating with everyone on every level of the Canadiens’ hierarchy.
On Jeff Petry
Kent Hughes: “Jeff Petry will at some point be traded. We will work to getting the best offer and do what’s best for his family”. Hughes did mention that larger contracts are harder to trade at the deadline due to the salary cap, however he is committed on giving Petry his wish of being traded.
On Carey Price
There is still uncertainty regarding Carey Price. That being said, there are no plans to trade either Jake Allen or Samuel Montembeault at this time. There seems to be a window of opportunity for Price to eventually get some playing time, whether it is in Montreal or more likely a rehabilitation stint in Laval. When that would happen is still up in the air.
Kent Hughes on Carey Price: "We're still in a period of uncertainty with Carey, and we'll still be in one until Carey plays a few games and we see how his knee responds. We don't have plans to trade a goalie right now."
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 17, 2022
On Brett Kulak
Brett Kulak has appeared on many trade lists including our own base on recent rumors. However, it seems that Kent Hughes is reluctant in trading the defenceman. Management clearly has high regards for Kulak and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the Canadiens offer him a contract extension.
"We like Brett Kulak. We don't intend to trade him, but I can never say we won't. If there's an offer we can't refuse... But we're not out in the market offering players."--Kent Hughes.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 17, 2022
On Shea Weber
Hughes mentions that he is looking at opportunities to move Shea Weber’s contract for “cap flexibility”. He says that he has met him in Vancouver and that he is “in a tough spot physically” but he cannot give a proper medical update at this time. Weber is in regular contact with Dr. Mulder the team physician.
Hughes says the Canadiens are pursuing cap flexibility in response to a question about trading Shea Weber. Adds he won't get specific on how they might do it.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 17, 2022
On the trade deadline
There doesn’t seem to be a specific player that the Canadiens want to trade at this time. However, they are listening to all offers and will make a move if “it makes sense”. This also includes players that are currently with the Laval Rocket of the AHL.
On Martin St. Louis
He is very happy with St. Louis so far and he hopes that he will stick around and sign a contract extension.
Final Thoughts
Kent Hughes seemed very comfortable on being transparent and honest with the media without fully revealing what the plans are. However, he has repeated that he is committed to improving the team in any way possible. He does not seemed worry at all about the team’s future.