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The Habs are trying to get bigger, it seems

All Buzznews

2022-07-13 10:21:46

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes seems to have decided that the Habs need to shed their reputation as a small team.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

In the draft, he selected a big winger in Juraj Slafkovsky, while many saw center Shane Wright being picked first.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

But Wright isn't 6 feet tall...

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

In the same draft, the Habs acquired big center Kirby Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Is Kent Hughes looking to make the CH bigger?

The 6-foot-4, 21-year-old will be looking to make a comeback with the Habs.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

While Slafkovsky's impact could take a few seasons to be felt, Dach needs to generate things in the short term.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

That said, the Habs still have their share of small players. Eight of next year's likely regulars are under 6 feet tall.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Brendan Gallagher has a huge heart, but the weight of years is starting to take its toll on his 5-foot-9 frame.

Is Kent Hughes looking to make the CH bigger?

In his case, we may be very accommodating, as he can still be a great asset to the team.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Cole Caufield will also be getting some leniency from management. He can fill the net, even at 5-foot-7.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

But for how long? A question that will be answered in several years.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Nick Suzuki has also been identified as one of the organization's stars. He was given $8M per year on a very long term basis last year.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

He's excellent, and may be dominant one day. He's still small, though.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Paul Byron is a talented player, who unfortunately has been caught up in injuries in recent seasons.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Byron is 5-foot-9, and weighs about 160 pounds.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Jordan Harris is a defenseman full of promise. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall. We'd rather have 6-foot-3 defensemen, right?

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Chris Wideman has made his mark in the NHL despite being 5-foot-10. He's the team's 6th defenseman, though.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Newcomer Evgenii Dadonov is a veteran who can produce offensively. His 5-foot-11 height is not a problem.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

He's probably not part of the team's $5M per season plans though.

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

In the last draft, Filip Mesar - photo (1st round), Lane Hutson (2nd round) and Vinczenz Rohrer (3rd round) were selected by the CH. None of them are 6 feet tall.

Is Kent Hughes looking to make the CH bigger?

So the team's mentality is changing, but obviously at a snail's pace...

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