One day after completing a major piece of business — extending Lane Hutson for eight years — the Montreal Canadiens are closing in on two more: new contracts for Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and General Manager Kent Hughes.

TVA’s Renaud Lavoie reported last month that the organization wished to extend them, and, according to several sources, that process is close to its conclusion. On at least three occasions, owner Geoff Molson has blocked other teams from speaking to Gorton, who was hired in November 2021. Hughes came aboard in January 2022.

Under their leadership, roster additions include Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky in the draft and Noah Dobson via trade. Last season, the Canadiens made the playoffs for the first time since a 2021 trip t

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