Ryan Leonard and Will Smith seem to amaze Kent Hughes

When asked about Matvei Michkov this morning, Kent Hughes seemed to be walking on eggshells. The Habs GM, who spoke to the Montreal press in Buffalo, didn’t want to say too much.

But it was clear from his non-verbals that the red flags are there for a reason.

It’s not abnormal, and you could sense his concern about Russia’s geopolitical situation, but also about the hope contract. After all, he reminded us that a three-year contract can be extended by a few years…

But when the time came to talk about the players in the American program, it wasn’t the same speech.

For example, when it came time to discuss Ryan Leonard, a player with a dog, the Habs GM was really generous with his comments. He even drew a Tkachuk comparison.

As long as he doesn’t pass on drafting Jesp- ah pis laissez faire.

But Ryan Leonard isn’t the only member of his USHL trio in the good graces of the Habs’ GM. You won’t be surprised to hear about Will Smith.

As you know, Smith is a good player, but he also knows the CH DG.

The latter seemed very happy to talk about Smith, a player he likes and a young man he respects. He even texted his parents after the CH interview to tell them about his maturity.

Smith’s former coach is therefore aware of the improvement in the youngster, whom he has seen play less since ceasing to be a player agent.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that these guys will automatically be chosen just because their face falls to the GM. That’s not how it’s going to work, we agree.

But let’s say it’s a factor. And that’s okay, because a player’s personality has to come into play when the time comes to draft a top prospect in the midst of Montreal’s reconstruction.

In gusts

– Nice tribute.

Starting and ending his WHL career at the Sho. Jared Davidson embodies what it means to be a Thunderbird, he is Mr. Thunderbird.

It has been an honor having you on our bench for the last 5 years, we’ll be cheering your career on 💙💚 @CanadiensMTL pic.twitter.com/f5Et8SMwIx

– y – Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) June 8, 2023

– The importance of a first-pair defenseman. [BPM Sports]

– Things aren’t going well for Noah Syndergaard.[MLB Passion]

– Yes.

– How cautious will he be?