PUBLICATION

L. Honein
August 2, 2025  (10:00 PM)

Kent Hughes

Photo credit: NHL

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

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.

Previously on HabsFanatics