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5h ago

Canadiens Hand Five-Year Deals to Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, Elevate Gorton to President of Hockey Operations

The moves signal ownership's endorsement of a rebuild that returned Montreal to the playoffs, securing a young core for the long term.

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Devin Cooley, Calgary Flames (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)
Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes (left) talks with head coach Martin St. Louis before the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
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Overview

  • Montreal officially announced five-year extensions for GM Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, who was promoted to president of hockey operations.
  • Owner Geoff Molson praised the executives for building a fast, talented roster with strong support infrastructure, calling their commitment unrelenting.
  • The extensions cap a stretch that included an eight-year deal for Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson and the acquisition of Noah Dobson on an eight-year contract.
  • The front office duo, hired in 2021 and 2022, guided a rebuild that produced a 2024–25 playoff berth, the club’s first postseason appearance since 2021.
  • Montreal begins 2025–26 at 2–1–0 with a core signed through at least 2030, including Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Dobson, Kaiden Guhle and Hutson.