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On Kent Hughes’ side, the search for a forward is not over.
The Montreal Canadiens general manager continues to explore the trade market.
It was Chris Johnston who revealed it.
Yes, the Canadiens are keeping the lines open despite another missed opportunity a few days ago.
The journalist confirms that Kent Hughes and the Canadiens had genuine and serious interest in power forward Mason Marchment, but they simply refused to offer close to $35 million (over seven years) in his case:
The missed opportunity was therefore Mason Marchment.
Montreal would have liked a real chance to sign the power forward, but the situation never truly gained momentum.
A missed opportunity that says a lot about general manager Kent Hughes’ approach
The asking price clearly exceeded what Hughes was willing to invest.
Marchment ultimately signed a five-year contract worth nearly $7 million per season with the San Jose Sharks.
Chris Johnston is clear on this point.
The Canadiens were not going to venture into that type of long-term commitment.
“I don’t think they were going to do the kind of deal, 5 years and almost $7 million.”
That caution says a lot about the general manager’s vision.
Montreal is avoiding risky contracts on the free-agent market, which is probably not a bad thing.
Rather than opening the checkbook wide, Hughes prefers the trade route.
A way to control both the acquisition cost and the length of contracts.
Knowing that, do you believe Kent Hughes still should have offered that famous $35 million to bring power forward Mason Marchment to the Montreal Canadiens?
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Kent Hughes reportedly turned down a nearly $35 million contract for a power forward
Is Kent Hughes right to prioritize trades over the free-agent market?