Hughes isn’t too interested in spending on the market.
“Our biggest concern is locking up our youngsters. If we go out and get a 32-33-year-old player for a year or two, is that going to hinder the progression of a youngster who could help us in future years?”– Marc Antoine Godin (@MAGodin) July 1, 2023
![Joel Edmundson: a first step towards making room for young people](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/07/Anderson-Edmundson-Hoffman-et-Drouin.jpg)
I don’t know if you’ve tried the exercise of lining up 23 Habs players recently… but it’s not exactly easy. Why is that?
In reality, including the guys who have an NHL contract or who have to sign a contract that will guarantee them a place in the sun, here’s what it looks like down the road.
Caufield – Suzuki – Anderson
Newhook – Dach – Monahan
Slafkovsky – Dvorak – Gallagher
Harvey-Pinard – Evans – Armia
Hoffman – Pitlick – Pezzetta – Ylönen
Matheson – Savard
Guhle – Barron
Harris – Xhekaj
Kovacevic – Wideman
Montembeault
Allen
Primeau (who is eligible for the ballot, as the GM reminded us today)
That explains why the Habs didn’t sign an NHL player today, we agree. But more importantly, it explains why Joel Edmundson was traded to the Capitals earlier today. The CH has, unsurprisingly, chosen Mike Matheson, David Savard and Chris Wideman (for now) to guide the youngsters.
The bottom line is that Kent Hughes has two good reasons for not signing an independent player on a relatively busy day for the available supply. It was busier than usual, because without the right tools, it doesn’t work well… #Twitter
First, there’s the fact that we don’t want Carey Price to be placed on the long-term injured list this off-season – as was the case last season when Sean Monahan arrived.
But above all, it’s so as not to block the youngsters. Even if a page is being turned, it was the right thing to do. #SouvenirsDesSéries2021
It didn’t fit in with the CH’s vision. And with Matheson, Guhle, Harris and Xhekaj on the left, it was a crowded Mass, let’s say.
Looking back over the last few days, it’s clear that the Habs have continued to make decisions for the future. In fact, the vast majority of personnel moves are along these lines.
Jonathan Drouin and Chris Tierney left to make room for younger players. Alex Belzile (whom the CH wanted to keep… on its terms), Anthony Richard and Joël Teasdale (three important guys in Laval in recent years) who are no longer with us, are also there to make room for the youngsters.
In fact, the only exception to the rule (since every good rule has its exception) is Sean Monahan. Signing him two weeks ago is the only signing that’s holding the kids back.
The kids will have to take their lumps → https://t.co/xcQCQmrya0
– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 20, 2023
There are other guys blocking the way, but I’m sure Kent Hughes is trying to find a new home for a guy like Christian Dvorak, not to name him.
Of course, we know that injuries will change things. That’s perfectly normal in this context – despite the changes in the Canadiens’ infirmary.
So the Habs get what they want (space on the ice and under the ceiling)… and if the Capitals are lucky, they can flip Edmundson at the deadline for an interesting pick.
In gusto
– The Quebecer has a new contract.
#Preds re-sign Alexandre Carrier to a one-year deal at 2.5M
– Brennan Klak (@nhlupdate) July 1, 2023
– Anthony Duclair to San Jose.
Anthony Duclair is being traded to San Jose
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2023
– Interesting contract.
Kerfoot to Arizona – 7M two years – 3.5AAV
– Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2023
– The CH alumnus gets a job.
#NYR have agreed to terms with Erik Gustafsson: 1 year x $825k.@DailyFaceoff @CapFriendly
– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2023
– Tony DeAngelo will go to Carolina.
Don Waddell on the recent rumors of a trade that would bring Tony DeAngelo back to the #Canes:
“Us and Philly have a deal in principle, it just can’t be executed until a certain date.” pic.twitter.com/KptaDVlXu8
– Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) July 1, 2023
– The Bruins hope.
Sweeney on Bergeron/Krejci: “Keeping our fingers crossed.”
– Matt Porter (@mattyports) July 1, 2023