Kent Hughes: his contract negotiations took 15 minutes

A few days ago my colleague Felix Forget wrote that Kent Hughes, like most of the Canadiens players, also wanted to sign a discounted contract. That statement makes even more sense today with the release of an exclusive interview with Canadiens general manager Jonathan Bernier of TVA Sports.

In this interview, Hughes reveals that his contract negotiations with Jeff Molson lasted… fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes! No long discussions, no endless haggling: just two men who already knew they were going to continue together. And with all this, money did not seem to have much weight.

“The negotiations took 15 minutes, so I would say that was not the most important thing [money]. The most important thing for me is to continue what I started.” — Kent Hughes

He said the Habs have nine players who can make a difference.https://t.co/tPV7FaBDRs

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) October 26, 2025

This sentence speaks volumes about GM's state of mind. After more than three years at the helm of the Canadiens, Hughes can finally afford to look to the future. His team is no longer a vague project. It has personality, a solid core and a clear direction. And for the first time since his arrival, you can feel that he is enjoying the competition again.

Because let's face it: when he took the job in 2022, it was a leap in the dark. The organization was experiencing a disastrous season, morale was low and there was little room for maneuver. Three years later, everything has changed: Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovski, Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov and Noah Dobson form the core of this new era. Kent Hughes turned a fractured team into a credible and ambitious project.

The extension of his five-year contract, concluded in a quarter of an hour, is not accidental. This is a sign that he wants to stay in the ranks and continue the work he started. There is no need for mind-boggling numbers and complex formulations: he wants to build for several years, period.

“We don't do this work to be liked. We do it to try to achieve something.” — Kent Hughes

It's all there. A direct, clear sentence that reflects the great man he is. Kent Hughes isn't looking for compliments, but he is looking for results.

Of course, a quick signature doesn't guarantee anything on the ice. But it sends a clear message: Kent Hughes believes in his plan and wants to see it through. After years of patience, he was finally able to strengthen his competitive spirit. And if the Canadiens' rebuild had a face, it would be the face of a calm, determined managing director… and one willing to fight to get Montreal back to winning the Stanley Cup.

after a while

– Ivan Demidov revitalized the Habs power play.

Habs PP1 since the arrival of Ivan Demidov:

2-4 in power play opportunities. pic.twitter.com/OH2N4pgTRO

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 26, 2025

– McClain Celebrini picks up where he left off last season.

Seven points in last three games

McLean Celebrini wants to stay on trend in the hockey state today! pic.twitter.com/GsI2gyjo4V

– NHL (@NHL) October 26, 2025