Montreal Canadiens fans woke up to a wave of speculation and excitement after a trusted NHL insider dropped a bombshell about the team’s future. While contract talks are nothing new in hockey, the latest revelations surrounding general manager Kent Hughes have sparked a frenzy of rumors and hope throughout the fanbase.

The news, which comes from the highly respected Daily Faceoff and is backed by multiple reputable sources, points to Hughes quietly working on something much bigger than anyone expected—potential contract extensions involving not just a beloved veteran, but also a player whose future in Montreal has been shrouded in uncertainty.

With whispers of behind-the-scenes negotiations and surprise developments, the story is evolving rapidly, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Canadiens’ roster and their long-term plans.

Why are these talks happening now? What could it mean for the team’s chemistry and their chances in upcoming seasons? And most importantly, what surprising name has suddenly entered the conversation, leaving fans and analysts alike scrambling for answers? The details remain closely guarded, but one thing is clear: Kent Hughes is making moves that could reshape the Canadiens in ways no one saw coming.

Photo credit: NHL

We’ve just received some pretty incredible news involving Montreal Canadiens players Mike Matheson and Patrik Laine.

I’d have a hard time believing this normally, but it comes directly from the reputable site Daily Faceoff, which is notably led by insider Frank Seravalli.

According to their latest report, Kent Hughes is currently working on possible extensions involving two players – and one of them is a big surprise.

Kent Hughes is currently working on contract extensions for Mike Matheson and Patrik Laine!

In Matheson’s case, that’s not surprising at all – but in Laine’s case, it sure is!

“Canadiens working on possible extensions for Matheson and Laine”

– Daily Faceoff

Here’s an excerpt from their article:

“[Matheson] loves playing there, he loves playing for the Canadiens, and he loves being a mentor to the young guys.

Now, his game has evolved – or rather, his responsibilities have – with the arrival of Hutson and, of course, Noah Dobson.

They had talks over the summer. They picked up the conversation again in the preseason, and they’re still in discussions.”

– David Pagnotta/DFO

And regarding Laine:

“The other player to watch: Patrik Laine.

He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

They had discussions this summer. They reconnected a bit during the preseason.

He’s got to produce, and perhaps a little bit more five-on-five versus the power play. If you can do that consistently, then I think those talks will start to pick up, but that’s a wait-and-see mode right now.” – DFO

These comments are also backed up by the reputable David Pagnotta, Wow!

So, there’s a real chance that Patrik Laine could re-sign with Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, returning to the team next season.

It’s definitely a developing story – but know that Kent Hughes is actively working on these cases and preparing some big moves behind the scenes.

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