As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for what promises to be a pivotal season, recent developments behind the scenes have left fans and insiders buzzing with anticipation and speculation.

In the past few hours, a high-profile interview with the team’s general manager, Kent Hughes, has sparked intense debate and curiosity regarding the future of several key players.

The conversation, held on the official website of the National Hockey League, touched on a number of pressing topics, ranging from injury updates to the progress of promising young talents.

Yet, it’s not just the health reports or training concerns that have people talking. Hughes’ remarks have subtly hinted at a potential shake-up within the Canadiens’ defensive lineup—one that could have far-reaching consequences for the team’s dynamic and the careers of certain fan favorites.

While the full implications of his statements remain to be seen, the clues dropped during this interview suggest that a major decision may be looming, one that could redefine the blue line and alter the trajectory for at least one rising star.

What exactly did Kent Hughes reveal, and how might these comments impact the fate of Montreal’s defensemen? The answers may surprise you. Read on to discover the latest twists in this unfolding story.

Nov 16, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

In recent hours, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, gave an interview to the official website of the National Hockey League.

He notably spoke about Kirby Dach.. Sharing updates on Dach’s health status as Canadiens prepare for potential offensive replacement.

Kent Hughes also expressed some concerns regarding Ivan Demidov’s summer training.

And finally, the Canadiens’ GM spoke about the situation with the team’s defensemen.

Kent Hughes gives a strong vote of confidence to David Reinbacher

This seems to confirm what was recently mentioned on Tony Marinaro’s podcast.

David Reinbacher will have every opportunity to earn a spot with the Montreal Canadiens as soon as this season!

He could even be paired with Lane Hutson, starting this season!

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes on David Reinbacher:

“We know David’s an NHL defenseman,” Hughes said. “We’re excited about that. We’re excited about what he’s going to represent to our organization over time. But we’re not going to force him into things.

“The [AHL] playoffs were great for him to have that. It was great that they went on the run that they did. So we’ll see if he comes in and surprises and we have decisions to make. Otherwise there’s the opportunity for him to go to Laval and keep developing and progressing.” – Kent Hughes

Obviously, the phrase that stands out here is “we know that David is an NHL defenseman.”

We strongly recommend the full interview with Kent Hughes on the NHL’s official website on this subject.

What’s the connection with Arber Xhekaj?

Well, the situation on the Canadiens’ blue line is very clear.

Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, and Alexandre Carrier will be five of the six defensemen, leaving just one spot for Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and David Reinbacher.

If Reinbacher is already considered an NHL defenseman and becomes a regular for the Canadiens, that will obviously be very bad news for Arber Xhekaj’s spot..

And judging by Kent Hughes’ comments, the organization seems to believe that Reinbacher is indeed an NHL player.

This will be an interesting situation to watch at camp.