On November 9, a golden opportunity presented itself for the Montreal Canadiens.
Dante Fabbro, 26-year-old right-handed defenseman, has been placed on waivers by the Nashville Predators.
In an NHL where complete and reliable right-handed defensemen are a rare commodity, especially for a team like CH in search of defensive stability, Fabbro represented an ideal solution.
However, Kent Hughes decided to pass, leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets to claim him.
A decision that is part of a series of monumental missteps on the part of the general manager, who seems to sacrifice Martin St-Louis to mask his own failures.
Since arriving in Columbus, Fabbro has shown that he is much more than just a supporting player. With four points in six games and ice time ranging between 22 and 25 minutes per game, he has become a defensive and offensive leader for the Blue Jackets.
His intelligence on the ice, his ability to block shots and restart the attack make him an essential player.
Meanwhile, the Canadian continues to tinker with an inconsistent defensive brigade, juggling outdated veterans and youngsters who are struggling to adapt to the pace of the NHL.
Martin St-Louis, already burdened by a team in full swing, desperately needed defensive reinforcement.
With a Fabbro in the lineup, he could have stabilized his defense, offered a credible option on the right and relieved his young players like Justin Barron and Logan Mailloux.
But Kent Hughes chose to abandon it, preferring to “stay the course” on a vague reconstruction without clear direction.
St-Louis, often criticized for its results, now finds itself in an impossible position: it is supposed to develop players like Mailloux, who is going through a catastrophic period in Laval, and manage veterans like Mike Matheson, whose value has plummeted after inconsistent performance.
Hughes, for his part, seems content to watch his coach sink, knowing that when the pressure becomes unbearable, St. Louis will be the perfect scapegoat.
The Fabbro file is only the tip of the iceberg. Kent Hughes’ asset management is an absolute disaster. Let’s take some examples:
Justin Barron for Artturi Lehkonen: A transaction that, in hindsight, seems ridiculous. Lehkonen has become a vital cog for the Avalanche, while Barron is struggling to find a place in the NHL.
Alex Newhook for a 1st and 2nd round pick: Newhook, acquired for an exorbitant price, fails to justify this investment. He looks more like a support player than a top 6 NHL forward.
Mike Matheson and Josh Anderson not traded at maximum value: Both players could have brought back quality picks or top prospects but Hughes preferred to keep them. Today, their value is plummeting.
Is it necessary to remind you that we preferred David Reinbacher to Matvei Michkov? Kent Hughes makes blunder after blunder.
And the icing on the sundae: by refusing to claim Fabbro, Kent Hughes sends a clear message: he does not intend to strengthen this team.
Worse yet, he appears to be actively sabotaging his coach’s efforts to maintain some semblance of competitiveness.
This strategy could be understood if the goal was to obtain a high pick in the next draft.
But in this case, why did you extend Martin St-Louis with a contract of 5 million per season until 2027?
While St-Louis finishes its contract of $2.9 million per year spread over 3 years, its contract of $5 million per year until 2027 begins next season.
$10 million in smoke…for a smoke screen…
$10 million…to play the role of a scapegoat.
The answer is simple: Hughes is using St. Louis as a smokescreen. When the rebuild reaches its peak, St. Louis will be sacrificed to make room for an “experienced” coach.
St. Louis is the poor scapegoat.
Meanwhile, fans must endure a painful season where young talent stagnates and veterans fail to turn things around.
Dante Fabbro is today a pillar for Columbus, a team which, despite its own challenges, was able to seize a clear opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens remain mired in the cellar, prisoner of the bad decisions of their general manager.
Kent Hughes, by refusing to act, not only abandoned Martin St-Louis, but he also betrayed supporters who hoped to see progress.
At this rate, the reconstruction of the CH looks more like a controlled demolition than a real recovery plan.
And when it’s time to point blame, Martin St-Louis will be ready to take on the role, leaving Kent Hughes to continue his erratic management without consequence.
A shame for an organization that deserves much better.
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