Kent Hughes was on the Ray and Dregs podcast recently. Gave about a 20- minute interview. A few of his comments:
- On the Preseason; been watching the team as a whole. Prospects in particular who may make the team and how they can help us in the future. Said a couple of D has stepped up and played very, very well.
- On the rebuild; first step he did was information gathering. He wanted to find where the team's shortcomings were. Then Put the pieces in place to build team way they wanted it.
- On Gorton; he's great to work with. They spend many years talking about hockey, share common vision on how to build a hockey team. They collaborate on everything. Gorton told him when he was hired he could have his finger prints on this team.
- On getting GM job; Always had great passion for the game. The second time Gorton asked him he knew there would never be a perfect time. Enjoys going to bed thinking about the game, waking up thinking about the game.
- On being an Agent and giving it up; The 2011 Conference Final 1-0 game, was best game he has ever seen. He had clients on both sides. Found it hard to cut ties with his past clients. Kris Letang be a great example, Kris kept calling him and he told him he couldn't talk with players on another team. Feels he has an advantage because he knows what an agent goes through.
- Why MSL as head coach; As an agent he talked with his clients how teams were asking them to play. How they wanted them to play in neutral zone, zone entries, etc... Tried to take all the feedback over the years his clients gave him and get a picture of a good coach. Marty was an highly analyaticy guy. He also wanted a leader, somebody who could command a room. Wanted an emotional guy. Because he felt a coach has to treat them all as a team but at same time treat them differently. He called Gorton about Marty and said I think he is the right guy. Jeff said geez, "I just hired a rookie GM who wants to hire a Bantam coach". Hughes said go meet with him. They thought the interim coach was best. Hughes said if I am wrong Habs get top pick in draft a very important piece going forward. If I'm right we have a very important coach going forward.
- Feels a positive vibe around the team. Gets the general sense the public understands Habs not there yet, not ready to compete for a Cup this year. Feels rebuild coming along at right time based on past experiences fans have had. They more open to it.
- On Slaf; A 1000% be doing what is best for Slaf development. His exhibition games been under whelming. Rookie games in Buffalo he was great, scrimmages in Montreal he led all players in scoring chances. Been very good in parts. When they drafted him not looking for best 18 year old but best player down the road.
- Knew Shane Wright quite a bit. When to Kingston couple of times to watch him play. Has a son his age, has seen Wright play a number of times over the years. Knew Cooley well also over the years. Slaf and Nemec he had less of a book on. So, watched a ton of video on them. When over to Helinski to watch them play. Took a ton of people with him. Wanted many different opinions.
- Told his son before Draft not right for the Habs to take him. Called him after first round, could sense disappointment. Glad when LA picked him, as he was getting distracted from his work.
- Staying in touch with other teams on the trade market. Looking to make moves that has long term affect on team rather than filler. Doesn't mean they won't make a short term move if they feel playes need to be insulated or a prospect needs time in the minor leagues
