In a surprising twist that has the hockey world buzzing, Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have managed to secure promising young defenseman Jayden Struble on a remarkably team-friendly deal.

While the signing might seem routine at first glance, insiders are already hinting that this contract could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Canadiens’ blue line—and perhaps even the team’s long-term strategy.

Why did Struble, a player some believe could command double his current salary elsewhere, agree to such terms in Montreal? What does this decision reveal about the team’s depth, and how might it impact the development of their rising stars?

With the arrival of new talent like Lane Hutson and the looming promotion of David Reinbacher, the Canadiens’ defensive core is rapidly becoming one of the most competitive in the league.

But with so much talent vying for limited spots, tough choices are inevitable. Could this bargain signing set off a chain reaction of roster moves? And how will it shape the careers of young defensemen like Struble and Adam Engström?

The answers are more complicated—and intriguing—than they appear on the surface.

Kent Hughes

Photo credit: NHL

Recently, Kent Hughes signed his last unsigned restricted free agent, Jayden Struble, to a two-year contract worth $2.83 million.

By doing so, both parties avoided going through the arbitration process, which was set to take place in the coming days.

According to former NHL scout Grant McCagg, the Canadiens were lucky to sign the defenseman at such a low price, claiming that Struble could have easily earned over four million dollars with another team.

Wow.

Jayden Struble’s Signing Announced by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens: It Could Have Been $4 Million With the San Jose Sharks

At least, that’s what McCagg claimed.

“In San Jose, Jayden Struble would’ve signed for four million dollars or more.”

– Grant McCagg

Jayden Struble a Victim of the Canadiens’ Depth on the Left Side

The reason behind McCagg’s analysis is quite simple. In his opinion, Struble is a victim of the Canadiens’ depth on the left side of the blue line.

The arrival of Lane Hutson and the presence of Arber Xhekaj in Montreal’s lineup haven’t helped the 23-year-old defenseman develop as he could.

McCagg really likes Struble and believes that last season, during which he didn’t play much, hurt his development.

He still sees him as a defenseman who could earn a big salary if given the opportunity to prove himself.

But number 47 for the Canadiens played less than Xhekaj last season and seems to be the team’s seventh defenseman.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Struble once David Reinbacher joins the main roster, something expected to happen sooner rather than later.

At that point, Kent Hughes will have a decision to make.

If Mike Matheson, who occupies a left-side spot, is still on the roster, Hughes may need to consider trading Struble out of necessity (as he did with Johnathan Kovacevic last summer).

It’s also important not to forget that the Canadiens have another promising left-shot defenseman in Adam Engström.

According to Steven Ellis, Engström would be the top defensive prospect in many organizations.

“For many teams, Engström would be their top blue line prospect.”

– Steven Ellis

These will be major storylines to watch closely.