October 14, 2025 | 12:05pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

HABS SIGN GORTON, HUGHES TO 5-YEAR EXTENSIONS

Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes

The Montreal Canadiens have signed EVP of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and GM Kent Hughes to 5-year contract extension.

News came out earlier in the day that extensions were being finalized for both executives.

“I am very pleased that Jeff and Kent have committed to the Montreal Canadiens for an additional five years. Their commitment to building a world class organization has been unrelenting and will only get better as we progress in the years to come,” said Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. " I would like to thank Jeff and Kent for taking this team and organization to where it is today, full of talent, size and speed with a support structure that is second to none, an objective from day one. I look forward to many more years working with them.”

Gorton was hired by Montreal on November 28, 2021, after six seasons as GM of the New York Rangers. Molson prevented other teams from speaking with Gorton and TFP’s David Pagnotta reported in the spring the New York Islanders were interested in interviewing Gorton for either a President or GM role, but their request was declined.

“I would like to thank Geoff Molson for his continued trust in Kent and I. We are excited for the opportunity to continue the work we began four years ago,” said Gorton. “We believe our team has made significant progress and we look forward to building on the foundation in place and competing at a high level for years to come. I would also like to acknowledge that this announcement is a reflection on the tireless work and efforts our entire staff has put in. Lastly, thank you to our loyal fans. Your tremendous passion and energy drive us and inspire us every day.”

Hughes was hired as the 18th GM in Habs history on January 18, 2022. During his tenure, thus far, he drafted the likes of Juraj Salfkovsky first-overall in 2022, David Reinbacher fifth-overall in 2023 and Ivan Demidov fifth-overall in 2024, and has traded for such players as Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine and Noah Dobson.

“Geoff Molson’s support has been essential to the work Jeff and I have done, and I would like to thank him for his trust and support in us. We have big ambitions for this team, and for that reason, we consider the work that was done so far as just the beginning,” said Hughes. “Creating an environment that benefits both individual and collective player development remains our top priority. We're encouraged by the progress the team’s made, but we’re also committed to staying patient and calculated in our actions, trusting the process of our long-term plan.”