7 hopefuls who could escape the Canadiens in 2024

The job of general manager is no picnic. In fact, Kent Hughes probably never has time to rest. Seven Canadiens prospects could become free agents next summer unless they receive a contract from the big club.

Mathieu Paradis of Toutsurlehockey.com found these seven players and compiled a list.

We start with Luke Tuch, brother of Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres. Luke Tuch was drafted in the 2nd round by the Canadiens in the 2020 draft. He’s shown great promise over the years, but still hasn’t signed with the Tricolore because he plays in the NCAA, where, unlike the CHL, it’s impossible to sign your rookie contract and come back to play.

He plays with Boston University with a certain Lane Hutson. In 2022-23, he collected 20 points, including 9 goals, in 40 games. Not sensational, but at 21, he still has some time to develop. He was particularly impressive at the development camp in July.

Luke Tuch could come to an agreement with the Rocket by the end of the season, depending on the Terriers’ NCAA campaign.

Ty Smilanic is another player who could slip from Kent Hughes’ hands. Acquired in the deal that sent Ben Chiarot to the Florida Panthers, Smilanic hasn’t made his mark in recent years.

He missed much of the 2022-23 season due to mental health issues, but was helped along the way by the Canadiens. Even if he didn’t make his mark during the season, he had a decent development camp in the eyes of my colleague Marc-Olivier Cook.

Maybe we shouldn’t throw in the towel with Smilanic, but he’s starting to run out of time to show off his skills.

Jared Davidson is next on this list. Last year’s Memorial Cup finalist signed a contract with the Laval Rocket over the summer and will have to make his way into the Canadiens’ club school. The good news for him is that he already has one foot in the door to help him sign a new contract in 2024.

The Canadiens must sign him before June 1, 2024.

Defensemen Petteri Nurmi and Miguel Tourigny, as well as forwards Cedrick Guindon and Blake Biondi complete the list.

Kent Hughes will have his work cut out for him between now and the start of summer 2024.

In gusts

– Magnifique.

In the final minutes, @cfmontreal find the back of the net. 🤌

The bell has been rung in Montreal. pic.twitter.com/eeP7fKbiui

– Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 27, 2023

– Excellent work by these ladies.

– His first in MLS!

Messi -> Cremaschi -> MESSI

OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD. pic.twitter.com/NzBKniNExm

– Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 27, 2023

– It’s completely insane.

To score 21 goals in a soccer match, you have to do it!🤯🤯https://t.co/Vbx6QvESs7

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 27, 2023