El-Balad reports that the Montreal Canadiens have extended the contracts of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes for an additional five years. This renewal solidifies their commitment to the organization as both leaders aim to build a world-class team.
Gorton Named President of Hockey Operations
Geoff Molson, the team’s owner, revealed that Gorton is now the president of hockey operations. Both Gorton and Hughes entered the final year of their contracts, set to expire in 2025-2026.
Statement from Geoff Molson
- Molson expressed his excitement about Gorton and Hughes’ extended commitment to the Canadiens.
- He praised their determination to create an elite organization with a talented roster.
Background of Jeff Gorton
Gorton joined the Canadiens on November 28, 2021. He quickly overhauled the team’s hockey operations, establishing the first analytics department in franchise history.
- He hired key personnel, including Adam Nicholas, the director of player development.
- Notable hires also include Kent Hughes as general manager and Nick Bobrov as co-director of amateur scouting.
Comments from Jeff Gorton
Gorton thanked Molson for his continued support and expressed commitment to building on the team’s progress. He acknowledged the hard work of all team members and the passionate fanbase that inspires the organization daily.
Kent Hughes’ Role and Vision
Kent Hughes was appointed general manager on January 18, 2022. As the 18th general manager in the team’s history, he made significant personnel changes early in his tenure.
- One of his first actions was hiring head coach Martin St-Louis on February 9, 2022.
- Hughes emphasized a focus on developing both individual and collective player skills.
Impact and Future Aspirations
Under Gorton and Hughes, the Canadiens reached the NHL playoffs during the 2024-2025 season. This marked their first playoff appearance since 2020-2021 and they were also the youngest team to succeed in this regard.
With a clear vision and strong leadership in place, the Montreal Canadiens are poised for future success in the league.
