Navigating Personal and Professional Waters: Kent Hughes and the Jayden Struble Dilemma
As the preseason unfolds and rosters begin to take shape, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a unique position that many teams would envy. While other franchises scramble to secure capable defensemen, the Canadiens are faced with an abundance of talent on their blueline, particularly on the left side. This surplus, however, brings with it a weighty dilemma for general manager Kent Hughes, who must navigate the tricky intersection of business and personal ties.
A Surplus of Defensemen
The current roster leaves Hughes with a significant decision to make. The Canadiens are loaded with left-handed defensemen, including Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and Adam Engstrom, leading some insiders to speculate that a trade is inevitable. Marco D’Amico from RG Media recently suggested on “The Shaun Starr Show” that one of these young players will likely be moved within the next year. Struble, in particular, has emerged as a prime candidate for a trade, with D’Amico noting, “I know that there is appreciation for Jayden Struble across the league.”
Yet, that appreciation pales in comparison to the personal bond Hughes shares with Struble. The former Boston Jr. Eagles player is more than just a prospect on the Canadiens’ depth chart; he is practically family. Struble grew up alongside Hughes’ sons, Riley and Jack, playing youth hockey together before continuing their journey at St. Sebastian’s prep school. His close relationship with Jack deepened during their four years as college roommates at Northeastern, with Hughes himself acting as Struble’s player advisor prior to taking on the GM role.
The Weight of Familial Ties
This personal connection complicates what would typically be viewed as a straightforward business decision. For Hughes, trading Struble would feel more like severing family ties than simply moving a player to a different organization. Struble has often expressed gratitude for Hughes’ mentorship, stating, “He’s been huge for me, especially when I was younger.”
This sentiment underscores the emotional weight behind a potential trade. Hughes is not just weighing the benefits of improving his roster; he is also considering the implications for a young man he regards almost as a third son. The decision, while fundamentally a business one, resonates on a more personal level.
Strategizing for Struble’s Future
The Canadiens’ current depth chart does not favor Struble, with Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and Mike Matheson all ahead of him in the lineup. D’Amico pointed out that Xhekaj’s appointment as an alternate captain for an upcoming preseason game suggests the Canadiens are reaffirming their faith in him, further complicating Struble’s situation.
Hughes must weigh his loyalty against Struble’s career aspirations. “I want to give this young man the best opportunity to get an NHL career,” D’Amico noted, articulating Hughes’ possible perspective. “If we have too much going on in Montreal, perhaps it’s best elsewhere.” With several NHL teams actively seeking defensemen and the 2026 draft promising a new wave of talent, now may be the optimal time to facilitate a move for Struble.
A Tough Decision Ahead
Despite the personal stakes, the reality of the NHL landscape may compel Hughes to act. D’Amico encapsulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “I think it’s going to be a gut-wrenching decision for Kent Hughes.” The prospect of trading a player with whom he has such deep ties will test Hughes’ resolve as a general manager, forcing him to reconcile the demands of professional sports with the bonds of friendship and mentorship. As the Canadiens look ahead to a new season, the future of Jayden Struble remains uncertain, resting in the balance of personal feelings and professional necessity.
