The last couple of weeks has been a real rollercoaster for the Habs. The goalie trio of Fowler, Dobes and Montembeault continues to be an ongoing story and the injuries keep piling up. They are currently without Laine, Newhook, Evans, Guhle, Dach, and now Mike Matheson and Josh Anderson who are currently listed as day to day. Despite this, the Canadiens have managed to put together some wins and sit third in the Atlantic with 50 points. Coaching is a big part of this, but having one of the best front offices is the reason. Also, imagine where the Habs would be in the standings had the goaltending been consistent?

Kent Huges, as usual, has done a tremendous job ensuring the team has the adequate depth to deal with this situation and has been proactive in the trade market to address certain needs.

While he has yet to produce offensively, his addition has been tremendous for the team. His faceoff percentage sits at 57% and he has been great on the PK, especially with Jake Evans out long term. He was not brought in to put up points, but to solidify the defensive aspect of the team and be relied upon to take important face-offs. Also, it only cost the Habs a 2026 second round pick. A great, pro-active trade and takes the pressure off Suzuki to take important draws and play big minutes on the PK.

I won’t write at length on Texier as I already discussed him in an article, but so far he’s been another smart addition by Hughes and company. The Habs front office have proved they are outstanding at recognizing talent and where it fits on the team. For now, Texier has 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in 18 games and is a +2. While these numbers are not mind blowing, it is pretty good for a guy Hughes picked up for nothing and is signed to a 1 year 1 million dollar contract. Also, he generates so many good opportunities and could easily have 15 points. He’s meshed quite well and has shown great puck skills and vision. 

The poor guy had a bit of a wild ride when he was picked up on waivers by the Leafs at the start of the season, only for the Habs to re-acquire him via waivers. He put up great numbers in the AHL with 9 points in 9 games and since being called up he has 2 goals and 2 assists in five games for 4 points and is a +3. I’m not saying he keeps up this pace, but so far it’s going well. Again, Hughes is awesome at identifying what type of player the team needs and they use said player in a position where they can thrive. 

Kent Hughes acquired all these players and all it cost the Habs was a 2026 second round pick. His asset management is bar none, one of the most cerebral, pragmatic and proactive in the league. Despite all the injuries, he’s making sure the Habs have the proper depth to compete and he knows which players fit and which don’t. A master class plain and simple.