Lane Hutson was on the ice for Mitch Marner-Auston Matthews goal connection this season, but will the 2025-26 campaign feature a Hutson-Marner duo on the Montreal Canadiens' powerplay? The Canadiens seem pretty content with their new-look first powerplay unit featuring five players under 25 and newest addition Ivan Demidov. However, if Jeff Gorton's comments on Monday mean anything, there could be a new name to add to the mix.
A 100-point winger who is a play driver? Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but there is only one of those players available for the Canadiens to sign in this year's upcoming free agency. Marner looks to be heading out the door if the Toronto Maple Leafs don't pay him what he thinks he's worth, and Gorton's comments certainly seem pointed towards the Leafs winger who will start the second round of the playoffs on Monday night.
It's certainly some comments that might rub Leafs fans the wrong way. The last thing they need is for their biggest rival to be talking about signing their star winger in the offseason. Gorton was careful not to mention any names, but it's pretty clear who he meant. Is there any merit to the comments? Or, was it simply some gamesmanship from the Canadiens' Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations.
Gorton was having some fun with the media the entire press conference, as he also made a light-hearted remark about the fans' desire for a second-line center. It's clear that the front office hears the uprising on social media to find one, and Gorton and Hughes joking around about the issue shows they are likely looking at how to fix it.
It's funny how some success can completely change the attitude around a team. It has been a serious, businesslike environment around the Canadiens during the rebuild, but it looks like the postseason berth this year has made everyone lighten up. Regardless of whether the "Marner" comment was serious, the entire press conference was a breathe of fresh air.