MHN Puck Links: Gorton Hires Hughes As New GM, COVID Testing

.The Montreal Canadiens have a new general manager.

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price may not be playing again for a while, if at all this season.

That and more in the latest MHN Puck Links:

Montreal Canadiens

Jeff Gorton has his man! Longtime NHL player agent Kent Hughes has been hired as the team’s 18th general manager. (MHN)

Hughes and Gorton have a major challenge ahead as they are now running the worst team in the NHL after the Montreal Canadiens dropped their sixth straight loss 5-2 to the Arizona Coyotes. (MHN)

There have been some louder rumors that the Montreal Canadiens might explore trading goalie Carey Price but the Hughes-Gorton duo won’t be able to do anything on that front until Price gets healthy. Based on news from the Habs on Sunday, that won’t be for a while. (MHN)

National Hockey Now

After being waived by the Boston Bruins on Sunday, forward Karson Kuhlman was claimed by the Seattle Kraken on Monday. (Boston Hockey Now)

Your favorite Boston Bruins player was named NHL player of the week Monday. (Boston Hockey Now)

The Philadelphia Flyers have now lost eight straight games. (Philly Hockey Now)

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is starting to feel normal on the ice again. (Washington Hockey Now)

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett will play in Calgary tonight and for the first time since he was traded by the Flames to the Panthers last April. (Florida Hockey Now)

The Detroit Red Wings accomplished a first-time and rare feat on Sunday. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner was not a happy camper after he and the Knights blew a three-goal lead to the Vegas Golden Knights Monday night. (Vegas Hockey Now)

San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier became the first player in team history to record five goals in one game. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Who have been the best surprises on the roster for the Vancouver Canucks this season? (Vancouver Hockey Now)

NHL

What would the price tag be for Chicago Blackhawks and Quebec native Marc-Andre Fleury be on the NHL trade market? (The Athletic)

The NHL and NHLPA have reportedly agreed to change their COVID testing system. 

Hearing NHL/NHLPA agreeing on no longer testing asymptomatic players and staff after All-Star. At that point, testing only required for cross-border travel and if a person develops symptoms.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 18, 2022