Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Kent Hughes has a new and interesting contract comparable after a $4.25 million-per-year deal was confirmed in San Jose.
Collin Graf‘s contract could shift negotiations between the Canadiens and Zachary Bolduc by providing a valuable point of comparison.
As Hughes continues discussions with his young forward, this signing elsewhere in the NHL comes at an interesting time.
The San Jose Sharks made the first move.
The club signed the 23-year-old forward to a contract extension, establishing a new benchmark for Bolduc.
The details of the agreement speak for themselves. Graf agreed to a three-year deal worth $4.25 million per season.
His production supports that salary.
The young forward is coming off his first full NHL season, recording 46 points, including 21 goals, in 81 games. It was a strong showing for a second-year player and, more importantly, clearly better production than Zachary Bolduc, who finished with 30 points, including 12 goals.
Several general managers, including Kent Hughes, will be watching this contract closely.
Collin Graf’s contract sets a benchmark for Zachary Bolduc
The similarities are easy to see.
Bolduc also completed his first full season in Montreal, finishing the year with 30 points in 78 games.
The Quebec native produced considerably less offensively.
But he stood out through his physical play and his performance in the playoffs.
In that context, it’s difficult to justify Bolduc’s camp asking for more than Graf received.
This contract sets a clear benchmark for his next deal.
The Sharks’ agreement could now serve as a starting point in negotiations between the Montreal Canadiens and Zachary Bolduc’s camp.
Graf’s contract also gives Hughes a clearer picture of the market. Bolduc’s age, offensive production, physical impact, and playoff contribution will all factor into the final number.
The Canadiens must now decide how closely they believe Bolduc’s value matches Graf’s. San Jose’s decision has added another layer to talks that already carry long-term implications for Montreal’s roster and salary structure.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics