Possibility for Kent Hughes to lose a young defenseman: former scout Grant McCagg is not optimistic about Jayden Struble

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Jeff Drouin
September 1, 2022 (8:56 PM)

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When talking about the Habs' prospects on defense, very little is said about Jaden Struble. The second-round pick in the 2019 draft will return to play for Northeastern University for the 2022-2023 season, and it will undoubtedly be a year of truth for him if he wants to earn a first professional contract with the Habs organization.

In fact, if Kent Hughes fails to come to terms with Struble by August 23, 2023, he will be an unrestricted free agent and will be able to sign with the team of his choice.

But we wonder what his future is with the Canadiens organization. In fact, as reported by Olivier Paiement of Danslescoulisses.com, former scout Grant McCagg and Tony Marinaro discussed the issue on The Sick Podcast, and if McCagg's comments are any indication, he's not very optimistic that Struble can eventually work out a deal with the Habs.

"You read between the lines, so it's hard to say. But you have to wonder if he's concerned that there's no room for him on the left side. There is a tremendous amount of depth among young left-sided defenders. I feel less optimistic that he [Struble] will sign than I did about Jordan Harris."

Although the former scout recognizes several qualities to the young 20-year-old defenseman, he admitted that the left side of the defense of the Habs has enough depth and especially the fact that he played only 73 games in the last three years certainly did not help in his development.

On the other hand, McCagg also mentioned that the presence of Kent Hughes in the organization could play in his favor. As was the case with Jordan Harris, the Canadiens' general manager has known Struble for years and the latter is a teammate (and friend) of his sons.

Finally, there is one other person, Adam Nicholas, the Habs' director of hockey development, who is confident that Struble will eventually sign a contract with the organization.

He said, "Just as it was with Jordan Harris, it's not something they want to talk about too much [signing or not in Montreal]. I'm less optimistic, but I still think he'll end up signing with the Habs."

It's safe to say that the situation surrounding Jayden Struble is eerily similar to what we saw with a certain Jordan Harris. Mails it remains that the 2022-2023 season will be crucial for the development of the young American defenseman.