Kent Hughes has reportedly made his decision on trading Kaiden Guhle

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Kaiden Guhle is not going anywhere: the Canadiens have outright placed him on their untouchables list.

“The Canadiens have made it clear that they believe Guhle to be part of the future in Montreal, as he brings a level of physicality, defensive awareness, and mobility in a package that no other defenseman possesses for the Canadiens at this time. Guhle is a universally appreciated player across NHL executives when he’s healthy and playing, so it only makes sense that they’d shoot their shot.

But as of this time, the Canadiens don’t intend on moving such an important piece. That doesn’t mean they don’t have other options.”

– Marco D’Amico, RG

We are talking about a 23-year-old defenseman, 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds, drafted 16th overall in 2020 and already well established on Montreal’s blue line.

On top of that, his long-term contract of six seasons and 33.3 million dollars, which begins in 2025-2026, gives him an average of about 5.5 million per year through 2031.

Before going down with an injury in mid-October,Guhle had already recorded 1 goal and 1 assist in 5 games this season, with a +1 rating. In his NHL career, he has totaled 174 games, 17 goals, 43 assists, and 60 points, despite a -20 rating largely linked to the team’s more difficult early years.

Kaiden Guhle at the center of the Canadiens’ plans

Despite this injury history, management still sees him as a major piece of the defensive corps, not a trade chip.

Everything points to an eventual cleanup on the blue line, but all signs indicate that it will not be Guhle who leaves. His contract is already considered a “steal” by at least one anonymous NHL executive, and many observers see him as a full-fledged member of the solid core Hughes wants to protect.

In short, everything seems to indicate that Kaiden Guhle will remain with the Montreal Canadiens.

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Kent Hughes has reportedly made his decision on trading Kaiden Guhle

Should Kaiden Guhle remain untouchable for the Montreal Canadiens?