Kent Hughes reveals a big bluff he pulled off that led to a successful acquisition
The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, revealed a big bluff that was successfully pulled off by the organization, leading to quite an acquisition.
In a statement just published on the official website of the Montreal Canadiens:
We find some very interesting quotes, particularly from the Habs' GM himself.
Kent Hughes reveals a big bluff he pulled off to secure the acquisition he was aiming for: Ivan Demidov!
We suspected it, but hearing it directly from Hughes is quite fascinating.
When Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton didn't show up in Fort Lauderdale a week before the draft (to meet Ivan Demidov), speculation was rampant.
However, the bluff was part of the organization's strategy, using reverse psychology to increase their chances of landing a coveted prospect who played in his home country last season.»
- Montreal Canadiens
They are obviously talking about Ivan Demidov!
The player ranked as the 2nd best prospect in the 2024 draft was ultimately selected 5th overall by the Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft, as you know. A very smart move by the organization.
«We didn't need to interview him.»
- Via the Montreal Canadiens website
What a brilliant general manager, always thinking two steps ahead, and successfully pulling off his bluff.
He managed to secure the highly promising Ivan Demidov.
Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton did an excellent job concealing their intentions, and it paid off. Kudos to them!
Ivan Demidov, 18 years old, is a 5-foot-11, 167-pound forward. He has 1 point in 4 games this season in the KHL, currently playing on the fourth line for SKA.
| POLL | ||
Do you believe that Ivan Demidov was a better choice than Artyom Levshunov (2nd overall pick of 2024)? | ||
| Yes | 568 | 93.6 % |
| No | 39 | 6.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
