The general manager’s job is not easy. In fact, Kent Hughes probably never has time to rest. Seven of the Canadian’s hopefuls could become free transfers next summer unless signed by the big club.

Matthew Paradise from Allabouthockey.com I found these seven players and made a list of them.

We start with Luke Tuch, brother of Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabers. Luke Tuch was drafted in the 2nd round by the Canadiens in the 2020 draft. He’s had great performances over the years, but he still hasn’t signed with the Habs because he plays in the NCAA, where unlike the LCH, it’s impossible to sign his rookie contract and go to the game to return.

He’s developing at Boston University with a certain Lane Hutson. In the 2022–23 season, he accumulated 20 points including 9 goals in 40 games. It’s not a sensation, but at 21 he still has some time to develop. He was particularly impressive at the development camp in July.

Luke Tuch could sign with the Rockets until the end of the season, depending on the Terriers’ success in the NCAA.

Ty Smilanic is another player who could slip out of the hands of Kent Hughes. Acquired when Ben Chiarot was sent to the Florida Panthers, Smilanic hasn’t made a mark in recent years.

He missed much of the 2022–23 season due to mental health issues, but the Canadiens helped him along the way. Even though he didn’t leave a mark over the course of the season, he had a decent development camp in the eyes of my colleague Marc-Olivier Cook.

Maybe we shouldn’t throw in the towel at Smilanic, but he doesn’t have time to show his expertise anymore.

Next on this list is Jared Davidson. The finalist of the last edition of the Memorial Cup signed a contract with the Laval Rocket in the summer and has to secure his place in the Canadian school club. The good news for him is that he already has a foot in the door to help him sign a new contract in 2024.

The Canadiens must sign it before June 1, 2024.

Miguel Tourigny retired from the 2021-22 QMJHL. He had good stats but not enough to earn a spot in the Canadian’s organization. Therefore, he decided to continue his career in Slovakia at Dukla de Trencin.

With Trencin, Tourigny collected 26 points, including 6 goals, in 44 games. The 7th round selected Canadian in 2022 has signed a contract with the Laval Rocket for next season. He has until June 1, 2024 to agree on the terms of a new deal with the Habs.

Cedrick Guindon is impressive in the OHL. Last year, the fourth-round pick had 69 points in 68 games. If he keeps up that pace, he could join a few others on this list and earn a spot with the Rockets next season.

Petteri Nurmi has a growing position as a defender at HPK Hameenlinna in Finland. However, it doesn’t offer anything interesting for the Canadian at the moment. His best short-term chances of playing in North America are in the hands of the Rocket.

Blake Biondi completes this list. He suffered a serious injury last season which could prevent him from finding a place with the Canadian. At 21, Biondi is not yet outstanding enough to have a professional contract. Expect to lose it.

Kent Hughes will have his work scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024.

Much

– Beautiful.

in the last few minutes @cfmontreal Find the back of the web. 🤌

The bell was operated in Montreal. pic.twitter.com/eeP7fKbiui

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 27, 2023

– Excellent work by these ladies.

– His first in MLS!

Messi –> Cremaschi –> MESSI

OUT OF. FROM. THE. WORLD. pic.twitter.com/NzBKniNExm

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 27, 2023

– This is completely insane.

Score 21 goals in a football game, you have to do it! 🤯🤯https://t.co/Vbx6QvESs7

— TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 27, 2023