Slideshows

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

But Wright isn't 6 feet tall...

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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

Is Kent Hughes looking to make the CH bigger?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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

Is Kent Hughes looking to bulk up the CH?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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?

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

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

Copied!