He answered many fan questions, notably concerning special teams and potential linemates for Patrik Laine, but one topic in particular caught our attention.
The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens has gotten us used to (at least) one big acquisition per summer.
There was Kirby Dach and Michael Matheson in 2022, Alex Newhook in 2023, and obviously Patrik Laine in recent weeks.
As the Canadiens seem to be on the verge of turning the corner in their rebuild, we shouldn't be surprised if Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton make one last big move in the summer of 2025.
That's precisely what the New York Rangers did to officially end their rebuild, with the signing of star forward Artemi Panarin.
If we go back to journalist Eric Engels, he did indeed answer the following question.
It's true that for several months, sources have been talking about a potential big move for the Canadiens in the summer of 2025. Who will be the Artemi Panarin of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton in Montreal?
Here is Engels' response.
It's true that Kent Hughes has mentioned that the summer of 2025 will be even more important for the Montreal Canadiens compared to the summer of 2024.
It's up to you to judge what he means by that.
If Mikko Rantanen remains available until next July 1st, I truly believe Hughes will take a shot, but otherwise, there will be other very intriguing options.
And what do you think, is the Canadiens' rebuild nearing its end?
Source: SportsnetCanadiens Mailbag: Who starts with Dach and Laine?
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6 SEPTEMBRE | 1076 ANSWERS Eric Engels reveals Kent Hughes' next big potential free agency signing When do you see the Canadiens winning a playoff round? | ||
This season | 392 | 36.4 % |
In 2026 | 476 | 44.2 % |
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Not before 2028 | 79 | 7.3 % |
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