September 13, 2025 We are on the cusp of a new NHL season with rookie camps underway and management groups getting the first look at this year’s version of their teams. The Montreal Canadiens are approaching the end of their build, but they are yet incomplete. GM Kent Hughes may still pull off a lateContinue reading “There are some experiments the Habs should try in training camp”
Tag Archives: Kent Hughes
Options A-E to Resolve the Habs 2C Issue
September 8, 2025 The Montreal Canadiens need a second line centreman. It’s been the obsession of fans and pundits for the entire off-season, and no doubt the focus of many management discussions. Now the summer is winding down, and the hole at 2C remains. Having traded away Carey Price’s contract, HuGo is currently positioned toContinue reading “Options A-E to Resolve the Habs 2C Issue”
For the next Habs window to truly open, another had to close
September 6, 2025 Yesterday, an era came to an end in Montreal. The Canadiens traded Carey Price’s contract and a fifth round pick to the San Jose Sharks. In return, the Habs also took on the contract of minor leaguer Gannon Laroque. The move marks the closing of one window and supports the opening ofContinue reading “For the next Habs window to truly open, another had to close”
What’s in store for the Habs this August?
August 1, 2025 The silence is deafening in the NHL right now. Deep in the off-season, management groups are enjoying the last weeks of a break before getting back to refining their team. Fans of the Montreal Canadiens are acutely aware of two things. The first is that following the early days of free agency,Continue reading “What’s in store for the Habs this August?”
Joe Veleno gives the Habs another patch while they wait to fill a hole
July 19, 2025 On Wednesday, the Montreal Canadiens announced they had signed a one-year one-way contract with forward Joe Veleno. The contract comes with a $900K annual average value, which is a nice price for a depth forward. The Habs needed to replace some depth. Several bottom six forwards have left Montreal. Michael Pezzetta didContinue reading “Joe Veleno gives the Habs another patch while they wait to fill a hole”
Early in free agency, there are things we can surmise about the Habs
July 4, 2025 With the first wave of a fairly flat free agency already in the books, General Manager Kent Hughes has approached the 2025 free agency window of change much like he approached his first three at the helm of the Montreal Canadiens. Like years past, Hughes has not yet overpaid on one freeContinue reading “Early in free agency, there are things we can surmise about the Habs”
In this draft window, the Habs accelerated their ascent to a contention window
June. 29, 2025 We should not be surprised. HuGo has been active in every draft window since their arrival, beyond simply drafting at their designated spots, to improve the Montreal Canadiens. But their Friday trade to acquire Noah Dobson, and then sign him to a contract that covers his entire prime years, was a stepContinue reading “In this draft window, the Habs accelerated their ascent to a contention window”
Three moves to help the Habs
June 26, 2025 This is a segue from this week’s Basu & Godin Notebook podcast where the guys – Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine Godin – played a little game where they took turns being the Habs GM. Each of them identified three off-season moves to improve the Montreal Canadiens for next season. I wantContinue reading “Three moves to help the Habs”
Can the Habs find the next Sam Bennett?
June 21, 2025 This past week, the Stanley Cup for the 2024-25 NHL season was hoisted by the Florida Panthers. As is tradition, the Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable playoff performer was also awarded. Unsurprisingly, Sam Bennett was the guy. Bennett is in the last year of his current contract and can becomeContinue reading “Can the Habs find the next Sam Bennett?”
Big questions drive the Habs attack for the next two windows of change
June 16, 2025 It’s mid-June and it looks like the Stanley Cup will finally be hoisted this coming week. Teams have already begun their off-season work, with contracts being signed and some small trades already unfolding. The NHL amateur draft takes place on June 27 and 28, and free agency opens on July 1. TheContinue reading “Big questions drive the Habs attack for the next two windows of change”
Hab At Her 