In a press conference at Club Laval-sur-le-Lac, general manager Kent Hughes expressed his desire for the Montreal Canadiens to be more than just participants in the upcoming NHL season. After three consecutive years languishing near the bottom of the standings, the Habs are determined to make a push for a playoff spot.
“I want us to be in the race, more long-term,” Hughes declared, emphasizing the importance of the players gaining valuable experience in high-stakes games. He remained cautiously optimistic about their chances, refraining from making any bold predictions about postseason success.
As the team gears up for the 2024-25 campaign with the start of training camp, the Canadiens are eyeing a return to the playoffs to avoid a historic fourth consecutive miss. The anticipation and excitement among fans in Montreal are palpable following a busy offseason that saw the acquisition of star forward Patrik Laine and the emergence of promising young prospects.
Vice president Jeff Gorton echoed Hughes’ sentiments, emphasizing the team’s shift away from a rebuilding mentality towards a more competitive mindset.
“I think that as the season progresses and it gets after the trade deadline, we’re still in there, playing meaningful games, competing for a spot,” Gorton remarked. The goal is to move away from the disappointment of high draft picks and focus on making a significant impact in the league.
With the Canadiens set to hit the ice for training camp, the stage is set for a season of high stakes and intense competition. The players are eager to prove themselves and show that the Montreal Canadiens are a force to be reckoned with once again.
