When Kent Hughes took the reins as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, few could have predicted just how quickly he would transform the team’s fortunes.

Since his arrival, Hughes has orchestrated a series of bold moves—some so clever and impactful that they’ve left NHL insiders stunned and rivals scrambling to keep up.

From headline-grabbing trades to shrewd signings, his tenure has been marked by a series of masterstrokes that have quietly but powerfully reshaped the Canadiens’ future.

But among all these moves, there is one decision that has flown under the radar—a move so brilliant that even an anonymous NHL executive recently called it the “biggest steal” for the Canadiens in recent memory.

While fans and media have focused on blockbuster trades and high-profile acquisitions, this quiet maneuver could end up being Hughes’s most valuable legacy yet.

What exactly did Kent Hughes and the Canadiens pull off that has insiders whispering and rival executives envious? How did a seemingly routine contract signing turn into one of the most advantageous deals in the NHL?

As the salary cap landscape shifts and the Canadiens’ young core solidifies, the true genius of this move is only now coming to light.

Photo of Kent Hughes

Photo credit: NHL

Kent Hughes has made several excellent decisions since his arrival with the Montreal Canadiens.

He has completed strong trades, including these two..

Kent Hughes and the Canadiens Pulled off a steal trade exactly one year ago today.

Montreal Canadiens pulled off a major trade on offense with the Flames three years ago.

But he has also made strong signings.

An anonymous NHL executive reveals a steal by the Montreal Canadiens and Kent Hughes: the signing of Kaiden Guhle

According to what was just reported by the excellent Marco D’Amico, Kaiden Guhle’s contract is the biggest steal for the Canadiens (according to this executive).

“I was told by an NHL executive that Kaiden Guhle’s contract is the biggest steal for the Canadiens.” – Marco D’Amico

Wow! It’s true that it has flown somewhat under the radar, but the deal signed with Guhle is truly incredible.

Let’s recall that on July 31, 2024, Kaiden Guhle signed a six-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens, a deal earning him $5.55 million per year and valid until 2031.

As the NHL salary cap will soon surpass $120 million, having Kaiden Guhle at $5.55 million per year will be completely ridiculous, which will be the equivalent of $3 to $4 million per year under the “old” salary cap from a few years ago.

Make no mistake, when healthy, Guhle is a solid first-pairing NHL defenseman.

With Guhle, Noah Dobson, and soon Lane Hutson all signed long term, it’s safe to say the Canadiens’ defensive corps will be very strong.