Kent Hughes was in Edmonton for the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and spoke to the media about various matters concerning the Canadiens.
He expressed satisfaction with having addressed key contractual issues for the organization's future. The Canadiens secured long-term deals for Juraj Slafkovsky earlier this summer, and recently extended defenseman Kaiden Guhle's contract.
Kent Hughes believes the Canadiens made a great deal with Slafkovsky's new contract. The first overall pick in the 2022 draft had a standout season this year, showing promising signs for the future.
Slafkovsky fits seamlessly into the top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. With the salary cap continuing to rise, the Slovak's annual salary of $7.6 million should eventually prove advantageous for the Canadiens.
However, Kent Hughes emphasized the need to manage expectations for his winger. For him, Slafkovsky's development is more crucial than the statistics he posts.
«We don't need him to score 40 or 50 goals for it to be a success. He needs to keep progressing as a player.
I believe that by the end of these contracts, the salary cap should work in our favor. If not, it means you've bet on the wrong horse.»
Kent Hughes and the organization have a detailed plan for Slafkovsky's development, and he insists that the process should not be rushed.
The Canadiens' general manager remains optimistic about the future with the young core in place.
He continues to monitor various situations, including Patrik Laine, although he has not publicly commented on the players mentioned in trade rumors.
