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Canadiens Transactions: Jeff Gorton Makes an Announcement That Will Thrill Fans
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
With the recent success of the Habs, many are wondering if the duo of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will attempt to acquire help for the players before the trade deadline.
During a recent appearance on the podcast The Sick Podcast hosted by Jimmy Murphy, the vice president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens gave an idea of the management's plans for the coming weeks.
Sticking to the plan is the Gorton-Hughes approach
As they have mentioned (and done) since taking office, the duo does not want to deviate from the original plan. Therefore, they will not trade away any players who are part of that plan and are expected to be key pieces of the team when it reaches its prime.
However, Gorton agrees with the idea of rewarding players who are playing excellent hockey.
It would not be surprising if the team is still in the mix by March 7th, for one or more players to be added to the Canadiens' roster as reinforcements.
The vice president is clear, however, that if this happens, it will not involve trading away a young player. He does not want, as mentioned earlier, to deviate from the plan.
«You won't see us trading young players.. if there's an opportunity to help these guys, they've earned it.»
Jeff Gorton
Jeff Gorton
It is therefore clear that Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes will not be looking for rental players but rather for someone who could stay, much like Alexandre Carrier, in the lineup for several years.
It's up to the Canadiens' players to show management whether they want help
Gorton stated in his interview that the goal this season is for the team to be in the mix and to play meaningful games.
If the players continue to play well and stay in the playoff picture, they will essentially force management's hand.
«So, if there's an opportunity to help these guys, they've earned it. Right now, the way they're going, we'll see what happens leading up to the four-nation break.
For now, as we always tell the players, they will let us know. If we play well and they deserve it, we can add players and give ourselves a chance. Whenever possible, we want to be in the mix.
We want to make, you know, we want to play those games.
We want every game to be the most important game of the year, and that's what they're doing.
You know, if we can help them, I think we'll look to do that.»
Jeff Gorton
For now, as we always tell the players, they will let us know. If we play well and they deserve it, we can add players and give ourselves a chance. Whenever possible, we want to be in the mix.
We want to make, you know, we want to play those games.
We want every game to be the most important game of the year, and that's what they're doing.
You know, if we can help them, I think we'll look to do that.»
Jeff Gorton
Ultimately, it will be the players themselves who determine what happens next.
Their upcoming performances will therefore be crucial moving forward.
Here is Jeff Gorton's full appearance on the podcast:
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 26 | 3015 ANSWERS Canadiens Transactions: Jeff Gorton Makes an Announcement That Will Thrill Fans Would you trade a 2nd-round pick and a 3rd-round pick for a player like Ryan O'Reilly? | ||
| Yes | 1341 | 44.5 % |
| No | 1674 | 55.5 % |
| List of polls | ||