In the high-stakes world of NHL negotiations, every move matters—and sometimes, the smallest confession can reveal the boldest strategies. Montreal Canadiens fans were recently treated to a rare moment of honesty from 23-year-old defenseman Jayden Struble, who openly shared the clever tactic he used to fast-track his latest contract with the team.

While most player negotiations play out behind closed doors, Struble’s candid admission has sparked fresh intrigue about the inner workings of the Canadiens’ roster decisions.

What exactly did Struble do to outmaneuver management and secure his future in Montreal? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems—and it’s a move that could inspire other young players across the league.

As Struble prepares for a fierce training camp battle against rising talents like Arber Xhekaj and David Reinbacher, his unconventional approach to contract talks is already making waves.

Could this calculated gamble pay off in more ways than one? And what does it reveal about the evolving power dynamics between players and management in today’s NHL?

The full story behind Struble’s strategy—and what it means for the Canadiens’ future—remains to be uncovered. Dive deeper to discover how one young defenseman may have changed the game.

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

23-year-old Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble made a small confession about how he sped up his contract talks with Kent Hughes.

It’s refreshing and nice to hear a player speak so candidly. Yes, Jayden Struble decided to file for arbitration simply to speed up the signing process.

Jayden Struble Admits Arbitration Was Just a Strategy to Sign Sooner

Clearly, he wanted to continue his journey with the Montreal Canadiens.

Jayden Struble: Arbitration Was Just a Strategy to Sign Sooner.

It was on TSN 690 that Struble admitted the plan was never actually to go through with arbitration.

It was simply a tactic to push Kent Hughes (and his own camp) to reach an agreement faster. That’s all.

In the end, on July 28, Struble’s agent (Philippe Lecavalier) and the Montreal Canadiens reached a deal, and the 23-year-old defenseman signed a two-year contract worth just over $1.4 million per year.

That officially sets the stage for an intriguing battle at the next Montreal Canadiens training camp between Struble, Arber Xhekaj, and David Reinbacher for the role of the team’s sixth defenseman.

Jayden Struble, 23, is a left-handed defenseman standing 6 feet tall and weighing 207 pounds.

The Canadiens’ 46th overall pick in the 2019 draft (second round), he has tallied 23 points and 109 penalty minutes in 112 career NHL games.

Last season, he recorded 13 points in 56 games while maintaining a positive plus-minus of +2.

He also played two games with the Laval Rocket.