Welcome home, Kent Hughes

MONTREAL -- There's a lot to like about the Canadiens' choice for the 18th general manager in franchise history, and not just due to his ties to the local community.

Kent Hughes, a bilingual, Montreal native who grew up in the Beaconsfield area, possesses a wealth of experience in the hockey landscape, most notably his time as an agent for Quartexx, representing local superstars such as Patrice Bergeron and Kris Letang, as well as talented players such as Mitch Marner and Taylor Hall. It's also worth noting his Quartexx represents a pair of current Canadiens players; Josh Anderson and Michael Pezzetta.
But his connections to Montreal don't end there.
Hughes was a prominent player for the Lac St-Louis Lions, a powerhouse program that has produced various NHL players, including Canadiens' head of player development Martin Lapointe.
Hughes' eldest son, Riley, was actually drafted by Jeff Gorton and the Rangers back in 2018, whereas his youngest son, Jack, is among the top prospects for the upcoming Draft. Both his sons play for Northeastern University in the NCAA, the former team of Canadiens prospect Cayden Primeau and the current team of prospects Jayden Struble and Jordan Harris.

Gorton and Hughes also worked together, albeit at different ends of the table, when it came to drafting and signing Bergeron, a 45th overall pick of the Bruins in 2003.
And while there's plenty of history to be analyzed and local stories to be written, the most important aspect of Hughes' hiring will begin in earnest, and quite soon.
As soon as he gets reacquainted with the superior bagels the city has to offer, Hughes has a laundry list of work to get through, including the upcoming trade deadline as well as the 2022 Entry Draft, which takes place in Montreal.
The Canadiens are likely to own one of the top picks at the Draft, representing a perfect starting point for a new GM and a very important decision that will likely influence how his tenure in Montreal will be judged.
No pressure, Kent.
Thankfully, Hughes won't be alone.
Firstly, there's the matter of the incoming assistant manager, the third member of the triumvirate.
Regardless of whom Hughes and Gorton choose, they're bound to provide a wealth of info as well as a unique perspective when it comes to short and long-term planning.
And with the added experience afforded by Gorton, the Canadiens will have three excellent hockey minds collaborating at the highest level of decision making, providing expertise when it comes to player relations, expertise that extends to both sides of the negotiations.

It's often easy to lose sight of the end goal of player negotiations, whether it be prior to the Draft or during extension talks, but ideally, teams find a way to establish long-term relationships that will profit both the organization and the player in question.
It's only once a player is comfortable in their settings that they'll provide the maximum return on investment, which, in this case, relates to their performances on the ice. Hughes knows exactly what these players crave when it comes not only to their salary demands, but their overall well being and mental health. Think of it as a symbiotic relationship between management and players, one that runs from the top levels of NHL management all the way to the AHL.
Hughes is perfectly suited to avoid the notion that negotiations are a zero-sum game. The best negotiations take place when both parties find a suitable middle ground rather than one party simply acquiescing to the demands of the other.
Simply put, a happy player is a productive player.
Hughes also represents a fresh face, not only to the organization, but also among the long list of familiar former NHL general managers looking to land new gigs. It's the perfect opportunity to drive innovation and excellence, while also being able to rely upon Gorton's well-established track record in the League.
The 51-year-old has his work cut out for him, but with the added benefit of being surrounded by some of the smartest people in the League, a list that includes Canadiens capologist John Sedgwick, he's in a very interesting position.
His team has a healthy number of draft picks, an up-and-coming AHL program, as well as various talented players on the current NHL roster, players that can be counted upon as cornerstones of the franchise for years to come, regardless of which direction Hughes decides to take the team.
Oh, and finally, we must not ignore the importance of having access to the best smoked meat in the world.
Because just like his players, a happy, well-fed GM, is a productive GM.
Just make sure to order a Cherry Cola with your meal, Kent.
And welcome back home to Montreal.
Cover photo courtesy of Middlebury Athletics