The Montreal Canadiens have consistently been praised for their shrewd roster management under General Manager Kent Hughes, and recent developments have only amplified that sentiment.

While the brilliance of securing Kaiden Guhle on a long-term, team-friendly deal has been evident for some time, a surprising announcement from the Winnipeg Jets has now solidified its status as a masterclass in contract negotiation.

Just hours ago, the Jets signed defenseman Dylan Samberg to a three-year contract carrying a significant annual value. The immediate reaction among Canadiens fans? A collective gasp of disbelief.

The numbers don’t lie: Samberg’s new deal surpasses the annual salary of Guhle, a player many consider to be a cornerstone of Montreal’s defensive future.

This unexpected comparison has ignited a wave of discussion, prompting fans and analysts alike to re-evaluate the value of Hughes’ work and celebrate what is increasingly being recognized as one of the league’s most impressive contracts. Get ready to dive into the details and see why this latest news has Canadiens fans singing the praises of their GM.

Canadiens and Jets logos

Photo credit: Habs Fanatics / NHL

We already knew that Kaiden Guhle’s contract was a great move by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, but it has just been fully confirmed.

In the past few hours, the Winnipeg Jets announced the signing of defenseman Dylan Samberg.

It’s a three-year contract, with an annual value of $5.75 million for Samberg.

Dylan Samberg Makes More Than Kaiden Guhle: What a Signing by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens!

With all due respect, it’s absolutely incredible that we’ve already reached a point where a defenseman like Samberg is earning more than a defenseman like Guhle.

Kaiden Guhle’s contract is clearly an excellent signing by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens. It’s now confirmed!

Let’s recall that Guhle is earning $5.55 million per year until 2031. Wow! Dylan Samberg’s new deal makes Kaiden Guhle’s contract look like a steal.

It’s another big win for Kent Hughes!

Seeing that Samberg will make more money (per year) than Guhle is just.. Incredible!

Dylan Samberg, age 26, is a 6-foot-4, 216-pound left-handed defensive defenseman.

He recorded 20 points in 60 games last season, while averaging 21 minutes per game (compared to 15 minutes the season before).

This signing really makes Guhle’s deal by Kent Hughes look even better, and it’s another contract by the Montreal Canadiens that is aging very well.

Personally, even though I believe Kent Hughes is solid when it comes to trades, I think his greatest strength as GM (so far) is definitely his ability to negotiate contracts.

Will he be able to pull off another small miracle with Lane Hutson’s upcoming deal?