In Montreal, a real shock wave has just shaken hockey fans.
According to the renowned site FrontOfficeSports.com, Kent Hughes, general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, is not even among the 15 highest paid GMs in the NHL.
Worse still, his annual salary would be less than $1.7 million. A figure that is surprising when we consider his central role in the reconstruction of the team and the challenges he has faced since his arrival.
Julien BriseBois (Tampa Bay Lightning): $3.5 million per year.
Jim Nill (Dallas Stars): $3.2 million per year.
Lou Lamoriello (New York Islanders): $3.0 million per year.
Doug Armstrong (St. Louis Blues): $3.0 million per year.
Don Sweeney (Boston Bruins): $2.9 million per year.
Kyle Dubas (Pittsburgh Penguins): $2.8 million per year.
Don Waddell (Columbus Blue Jackets): $2.7 million per year.
Kelly McCrimmon (Vegas Golden Knights): $2.4 million per year.
Rob Blake (Los Angeles Kings): $2.3 million per year.
Bill Guerin (Minnesota Wild): $2.2 million per year.
Bill Zito (Florida Panthers): $2.1 million per year.
Danny Brière (Philadelphia Flyers): $2.0 million per year.
Tom Fitzgerald (New Jersey Devils): $1.9 million per year.
Steve Yzerman (Detroit Red Wings): $1.8 million per year.
Barry Trotz (Nashville Predators): $1.7 million per year.
This revelation is all the more shocking when compared to the income of his incompetent colleagues.
Julien BriseBois, who earns $3.5 million annually in Tampa Bay, is a genius and deserves this salary, but the worst GM in the NHL, Lou Lamoriello ($3 million), is overpaid like never before.
Note that Kyle Dubas pockets $2.8 million per year for his position as CEO, but if we include his salary as president, his total contract is estimated at $40 million spread over 7 years.
We’re talking about a man who destroyed Sidney Crosby’s chances of being competitive in Pittsburgh in his later years.
Even Daniel Brière of the Flyers ($2 million), also a brand new young GM, far surpasses Hughes in terms of compensation.
This imbalance is even more glaring within the Canadian organization itself.
Martin St-Louis, the head coach, is receiving 2.9 million this season and will see his salary rise to nearly 5 million next year. Jeff Gorton, vice-president of hockey operations, earns at least $5 million annually.
Why then is the CH GM, often described as one of the best GMs in the NHL, so underpaid?
It is very likely that Geoff Molson’s strategy is based on a global investment in his “three-headed monster”, made up of Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis.
As he pays Gorton and St. Louis with bridges of gold, Hughes pays.
The fact that he is one of the lowest paid GMs in the league, while managing one of the most prestigious and lucrative teams, could fuel criticism.
-Some will not hesitate to call him a “puppet” of Jeff Gorton, the vice-president of hockey operations, who receives an annual salary of around $5 million.
This perception could tarnish the image of autonomy and leadership that Hughes has managed to build since taking office.
Some believe that Molson has opted for a division of responsibilities where Gorton plays the role of real decision-maker and Hughes executes contract decisions, like a former agent.
Regardless, this duo dynamic has paid off so far, but the salary difference between the two men could send the wrong message, not only internally, but also across the league.
This could suggest that the real decision-making power rests in Gorton’s hands, thereby reducing Hughes to a secondary role.
The fact remains that since his hiring in January 2022, Hughes has stood out with a methodical and thoughtful approach.
Unlike other leaders who give in to pressure, he was able to respect his five-year plan without haste.
In three years, the Habs have gone from a desperate last place to a team in real progress, firmly anchored in the race for the playoffs.
His flair for transactions is undeniable. The Sean Monahan trade, where he obtained two 1st round picks in this double transaction, is a telling example of this.
In all, he orchestrated 35 trades, amassing 23 draft picks, including several first and second rounds, without jeopardizing the team’s future.
However, we must not forget that Hughes inherited a difficult situation.
The heavy contracts awarded by his predecessor Marc Bergevin to players like Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson, combined with the limitations imposed by the salary cap, forced him to be tight managed.
However, Hughes was able to skillfully maneuver to leave the Canadian with room to maneuver of nearly $10 million for the next season.
The question remains: why is Kent Hughes so underpaid?
Some argue that his status as a former agent and his lack of initial experience influenced contract negotiations when he was hired.
Others believe that this situation reflects a chronic undervaluation of the GM position in certain organizations, including that of the Canadian.
However, given the results, it is difficult to deny Hughes’ positive impact on the Habs.
If his performances continue, it would be surprising if Geoff Molson did not offer him an extension with a significant salary increase before the end of his current contract, scheduled in two years.
That the GM of one of the most prestigious teams in the NHL earns less than some of his counterparts in less impressive markets is an embarrassing situation for the Canadian.
This sends a contradictory message: how can we justify great ambitions if we do not adequately invest in the architects of success?
Kent Hughes, through his vision and rigor, proved that he deserved not only his place among the best leaders, but also financial recognition commensurate with his work.
Okay, Hughes never needed his current position to build his fortune. With contracts totaling over $290 million negotiated for players like Patrice Bergeron, Kris Letang and Vincent Lecavalier, Hughes is now as rich as Croesus.
His career as an agent was filled with financial success which allowed him to sell his agency for hundreds of millions before making the jump to the Montreal Canadiens.
However, the fact that he is not even paid $1.7 million per year raises eyebrows.
For a GM occupying a position as prestigious as that of the Montreal Canadiens, this salary is shameful.
This fuels rumors that he is just a servant of Jeff Gorton and this view is unfair to a man as intelligent as Hughes.
Montreal will have to rectify this anomaly during the GM’s next contract in two years, otherwise it will tarnish its image and lose a key leader in its journey to a 25th Stanley Cup.
