The Montreal Canadiens have announced significant contract extensions for key management figures. General Manager Kent Hughes and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton have both signed multi-year deals. In addition, Gorton has been appointed as the new President of Hockey Operations.
Leadership Changes at the Canadiens
Geoff Molson, the owner of the Canadiens, expressed satisfaction with the extensions. He commended Hughes and Gorton for their unwavering commitment to building a top-tier organization. “I would like to thank Jeff and Kent for taking this team and organization to where it is today,” Molson stated. He highlighted their efforts in enhancing team talent and structure.
Timeline of Appointments
Jeff Gorton joined the Montreal Canadiens in November 2021. Kent Hughes was appointed shortly after, in January 2022. Together, they have spearheaded the team’s rebuild strategy, focusing on acquiring promising talent through the draft.
- Juraj Slafkovsky
- Lane Hutson
- Ivan Demidov
The management duo has also secured long-term contracts for notable players, including Slafkovsky, Hutson, and Cole Caufield. Their leadership led to the hiring of Martin St-Louis as head coach, resulting in the Canadiens making the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Background of Key Personnel
Kent Hughes comes to the Canadiens with a background as a player agent at Quartexx Management in Montreal. At 55 years old, he is the 18th general manager in the franchise’s 116-year history. Meanwhile, Jeff Gorton previously held the position of general manager with the New York Rangers from 2015 to 2021, after serving as their assistant GM for four seasons.
With these contract extensions, the Canadiens aim to solidify their future and strengthen their position in the league. The commitment from Hughes and Gorton is a promising sign for fans looking forward to a competitive team in the years ahead.
