Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The NHL free agent market has been very active this week.
And without even trying, the San Jose Sharks highlighted the work Kent Hughes has done.
The California-based team was one of the most active clubs.
They added four new faces all at once.
The price paid for these two “average” defensemen.
Jacob Trouba carries a contract worth $8.125 million per year, while Darnell Nurse earns $9.25 million annually.
Combined, they make $17.5 million per year!
That’s where the contrast becomes striking.
An intriguing comparison with Montreal’s defensive duo.
“The Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson duo will carry a combined cap hit of $18.35 million and provide elite hockey for the Canadiens over the next eight seasons.”
Let’s just say that comparison doesn’t make the Sharks look very good. And it makes Kent Hughes look extremely good!
Nearly the same amount of money, but two completely different realities.
On one side, two aging veterans in decline. On the other, two young defensemen still on the rise.
On one side, two very average defensemen. On the other, two elite defensemen.
The numbers speak for themselves.
Hutson is coming off a 78-point season with a +36 rating at just 22 years old.
Dobson, meanwhile, recorded 47 points in 80 games despite not having a clear role on the power play. A complete 26-year-old defenseman who is still in the prime of his career.
What a home run by Kent Hughes!
That financial flexibility could pay huge dividends later. It will give the Canadiens the cap space to add a major salary at the right time.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics