Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes faces a challenging task in restoring the franchise to its historical status as a Stanley Cup contender, a position it has not occupied for years. The team he took over was in dire need of a rebuild, and after two years at the helm, he has made significant progress in restructuring, but many tasks remain unfinished.
There are certain milestones that will indicate the Canadiens are moving toward becoming a competitive team. Some of these goals have yet to be achieved, with the most crucial being their standing as an attractive destination for players. Do players aspire to join the Canadiens without the need for extensive persuasion? Is Hughes steering the team in the right direction to make Montreal appealing to unrestricted free agents?
Regarding the next steps, it is reported that the Canadiens are not pursuing lateral trades but are aiming for meaningful upgrades in key positions. Hughes is on the lookout for experienced forwards who possess size and toughness, as well as a top-four right-handed defenseman.
While the Canadiens have some promising assets, players like Logan Mailloux, who would fit their needs, are still developing in the American Hockey League. Even if Hughes manages to address these positional needs, transforming the team into a playoff contender this season seems unrealistic. Should they manage to qualify for the playoffs, they would likely end up with a middle draft pick, perpetuating their struggle to add elite talent and keeping them stuck in the mediocrity they’ve faced for most of the 21st century.
This challenge existed before the rebuild, with former GM Marc Bergevin often remarking that anything can happen in the playoffs once a team qualifies. Although the 2021 Cup run was thrilling, it relied heavily on fortuity and timely performances, which ultimately did not culminate in a championship.
Currently, the Canadiens must navigate several obstacles before they can even entertain playoff aspirations. The team is clearly not ready in terms of development, and management needs to be cautious to avoid reckless choices that could impede the rebuilding process. The focus must remain on a long-term vision, which Hughes appears committed to.
Once Patrik Laine returns from injury, there may be pressure for immediate reinforcements that Hughes must manage. While he may not replicate his early career scoring prowess, Laine’s contribution could provide essential offensive support. However, even an impressive return would not resolve the team’s defensive challenges or transform them into a contender. With the management at a critical juncture in the rebuild, there’s a temptation to rush progress, but for now, they claim to maintain patience, even if some fans are less than satisfied.
In a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman suggested that the Canadiens’ poor start is a reason they remain a less attractive destination for unrestricted free agents. They are progressing, but the process will take time.
The Canadiens’ rebuild has drawn parallels with the New York Rangers, as both organizations had similar assets when they embarked on their respective rebuilds. Under the leadership of former Rangers GM Jeff Gorton, the Rangers successfully completed their rebuild by acquiring essential pieces through the draft and attracting a key free agent, Artemi Panarin, enabling them to expedite the process. However, it is improbable that Montreal will find such a high-profile player, as they do not have the same appeal as New York.
Presently, the Canadiens are concentrating on internal growth through drafting and developing talent. They have amassed considerable draft picks and prospects in recent seasons, but they haven’t yet developed or traded for top-tier NHL talent. Currently, a group of young players is grappling with adjusting to new roles, systems, and expectations. Rebuilds are rarely linear, and setbacks are part of the journey. This signifies that Montreal is not yet a premier destination capable of quickly attracting top unrestricted free agents.
The team is facing challenges, which can be addressed through coaching, time for player chemistry to develop, and player growth. While some fans feel the rebuild is taking too long or may never lead to contention, it simply indicates that the Canadiens have considerable work ahead, which is typical for a rebuilding team. However, they do possess high-quality prospects starting to show promise.
To attract unrestricted free agents, Montreal needs to ensure their prospects not only develop within the organization but also commit long-term. If prospects delay signing entry-level contracts or seek trades, it could severely hinder the rebuilding process. Talent does attract talent. In a recent interview, Ivan Demidov praised Lane Hutson, reflecting how players are observing the situation, evaluating their best options. Competing alongside highly skilled teammates and adding more top prospects are beneficial. Free agents typically want to join successful teams with other exceptional players that can help them win while enjoying the game.
However, factors beyond just the player roster come into play, such as the city’s environment for families, market size, tax rates, media involvement, fan engagement, and whether the franchise is regarded as exciting or iconic. While these considerations are valid, they do not constitute the foundation necessary for the team to become a desirable destination. To reach that level, the organization must establish a solid foundation, ensuring the team is competitive and that their young players are nearing their potential. Once that occurs, veteran unrestricted free agents will recognize their fit, see improved winning prospects, and consider Montreal as a desirable location.
The Canadiens find themselves at a crucial stage in their rebuilding journey, necessitating patience as they strive to build a competitive team from the ground up. Their ability to become an appealing destination for free agents will largely depend on the development of their young talents and prudent management decisions in the upcoming months.
