I saw this on Sportsnet’s Twitter feed. This is a fine quote from the Montreal Canadiens’ general manager to make. But will he stick to it? It’s very subjective and no offense to Hughes but at some point, you have to take a chance on a proven player. Otherwise, it’s very hard to get out of the mushy middle. 

He used the eight-year deal as an example. But all eight-year deals aren’t created equal. The term can be a killer, that’s true, and being willing to overpay on assets sounds good, but it isn’t going to get them a proven #2 center as an example.

He will have to take more chances when he is under pressure to make the playoffs every year and win a Stanley Cup. He doesn’t have to do that this offseason, but to land a Mitch Marner or Sam Bennett you will have to spend like a drunken sailor because those players won’t come to Montreal. Not yet. 

Here is a list of potential 2026 UFAs. As you know, some of them will be signed before they hit the market. Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid, Nick Schmaltz, and Charlie Coyle are the best next summer. If the Canadiens were bidding for their services they would be going up against at least 10 or more teams. 

Trading for RFAs is tricky. It didn’t work out with Kirby Dach and a fair amount of them aren’t worth it. Theorizing about a team’s plan and carrying it out with great success is very hard. The Canadiens might be able to do that. But if were that easy, more teams would do it so it will be fascinating to see how this develops.