Report: Habs about to make two more huge signings

UPDATE: It's official, the team has announced five year extensions for both Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes.

Yesterday, the Montreal Canadiens unveiled a brand new, 8 year contract extension for star defenseman Lane Hutson.

The Canadiens' management team of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes have successfully locked up their team's young core, handing out long-term contracts to Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuke, Gaiden Guhle and Noah Dobson.

All that's left now is to lock up the management team itself.

Today, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that the Canadiens are close on new contracts for both Gorton and Hughes.

From Friedman for Sportsnet today:

One day after completing a major piece of business — extending Lane Hutson for eight years — the Montreal Canadiens are closing in on two more: new contracts for Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and General Manager Kent Hughes.

TVA’s Renaud Lavoie reported last month that the organization wished to extend them, and, according to several sources, that process is close to its conclusion. On at least three occasions, owner Geoff Molson has blocked other teams from speaking to Gorton, who was hired in November 2021. Hughes came aboard in January 2022.

Under their leadership, roster additions include Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky in the draft and Noah Dobson via trade. Last season, the Canadiens made the playoffs for the first time since a 2021 trip to the Stanley Cup Final. 

Stay tuned for official confirmation..