The Montreal Canadiens have finalized multi-year contract extensions with general manager Kent Hughes and executive vice president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton, the NHL organization communicated on Tuesday.
The organization similarly announced Gorton would assume a redesigned post as president of hockey operations. Hughes and Gorton were approaching the end of their existing agreements.
Hughes and Gorton have overseen a notable improvement in Montreal, with the team exceeding projections by qualifying for the postseason last campaign following a three-year absence.
The Canadiens have showcased a remarkable young group, featuring captain Nick Suzuki, talented newcomer Ivan Demidov, and defenseman Lane Hutson — last season’s top rookie who committed to a $70.8 million, eight-year contract extension on Monday.
Prior to joining the Canadiens as executive vice president of hockey operations, Gorton held the general manager position with the New York Rangers from 2015 until May 2021.
Hughes, originally from Montreal, was appointed as GM in January 2022. A key early decision involved the selection of a head coach.
The Canadiens possessed a 2-1-0 record at the outset of the 2025-26 season leading up to their opening game at home Tuesday evening versus Seattle.
