Bryce Pickford: A “luxury dilemma” is looming for Kent Hughes

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Bryce Pickford: A “luxury dilemma” is looming for Kent Hughes
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Bryce Pickford's value continues to be a topic of discussion.

The defenseman, who is recovering from surgery and will likely rejoin the Rocket once he's fit enough to do so, divides opinion when it comes to evaluating him.

And until he proves his worth at the pro level, the debate will continue.

On the one hand, he was drafted at just 19 years old. And even though he's played well this season, the WHL isn't what it used to be, largely due to new NCAA rules.

But on the other hand, he was the best junior defenseman in the country, scoring 45 goals for the Medicine Hat Tigers—even while not fully healthy.

So the question is: Is he the next offensive defenseman (a right-hander, no less) the Canadiens need? Or is he more of a valuable trade chip for Kent Hughes? Or neither?

I certainly wouldn't be disappointed to see the Habs give him a shot in Laval, of course. But if the Habs' GM ever decides to capitalize on his value and trade him, I agree with Brian Wilde: he could be on his way out.

The topic was discussed on The Sick Podcast yesterday with Tony Marinaro. And it's interesting to note that the host doesn't seem to want to let Bryce Pickford go.

And on one hand, I get it. Obviously.

However, a GM's job is to maximize the value of his prospects, whether by keeping them or by using them to help the main team someday. And the Pickford case is… interesting.

After all, it only takes one GM (like… Brad Treliving, who's no longer in that role) who thinks highly of him to turn things around.

It's more complex than a Michael Hage, for example, because everyone knows his chances of success at the highest level are higher than Pickford's, for instance.

What does Kent Hughes think?


In a nutshell

– Ouch.

– Well done.

– A great event.

– Same old story.

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