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![\"Montreal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/678476.webp\" "\\"Montreal")
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Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Kent Hughes has a new and interesting contract comparable after a $4.25 million-per-year deal was confirmed in San Jose.<\/p>\n
Collin Graf<\/a>‘s contract could shift negotiations between the Canadiens and Zachary Bolduc<\/a> by providing a valuable point of comparison.<\/p>\n As Hughes continues discussions with his young forward, this signing elsewhere in the NHL comes at an interesting time.<\/p>\n The San Jose Sharks made the first move.<\/p>\n The club signed the 23-year-old forward to a contract extension, establishing a new benchmark for Bolduc.<\/p>\n The details of the agreement speak for themselves. Graf agreed to a three-year deal worth $4.25 million per season.<\/p>\n His production supports that salary.<\/p>\n The young forward is coming off his first full NHL season, recording 46 points, including 21 goals, in 81 games. It was a strong showing for a second-year player and, more importantly, clearly better production than Zachary Bolduc, who finished with 30 points, including 12 goals.<\/p>\n Several general managers, including Kent Hughes, will be watching this contract closely.<\/p>\n Collin Graf’s contract sets a benchmark for Zachary Bolduc<\/p>\n The similarities are easy to see.<\/p>\n Bolduc also completed his first full season in Montreal, finishing the year with 30 points in 78 games.<\/p>\n The Quebec native produced considerably less offensively.<\/p>\n But he stood out through his physical play and his performance in the playoffs.<\/p>\n In that context, it’s difficult to justify Bolduc’s camp asking for more than Graf received.<\/p>\n This contract sets a clear benchmark for his next deal.<\/p>\n The Sharks’ agreement could now serve as a starting point in negotiations between the Montreal Canadiens and Zachary Bolduc’s camp.<\/p>\n Graf’s contract also gives Hughes a clearer picture of the market. Bolduc’s age, offensive production, physical impact, and playoff contribution will all factor into the final number.<\/p>\n The Canadiens must now decide how closely they believe Bolduc’s value matches Graf’s. San Jose’s decision has added another layer to talks that already carry long-term implications for Montreal’s roster and salary structure.<\/p>\n Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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