Kent Hughes doesn’t see the problem in going after his former customers

Let’s not forget that since taking office, Hughes has signed four players he represented as an agent: Mike Matheson, Alex Newhook, Anthony Richard and Colin White. That said, for the GM, familiarity with the players is an asset, not a disadvantage.

Unlike other players, he’s had the chance to see them in action time and time again. So he has a good idea of what he’s getting when he gets his hands on these guys.

White wasn’t exactly the steal of the century (he’s mostly in town to fill a sweater, that said), but as for the other three, we’re still talking about players who helped the Habs. Matheson is establishing his reputation as one of the best offensive defensemen on the circuit, Newhook is part of the team’s future core and Richard has done well in a depth role.

If these acquisitions consistently went sour, it might be more problematic… but for now, he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Of course, that doesn’t mean he has to have blinders on, but the strategy is paying off for the Habs more than it’s hurting right now.

And who knows, maybe without Hughes, Jordan Harris (who knew Hughes well) and Jayden Struble (whose NCAA “advisor” Hughes was) wouldn’t have signed in Montreal. That’s worth something, too.

In gusto

– Trevor Zegras and Cole Caufield could be reunited at the World Championship.

– Hard blow for the Rocket.

– Well done.