One does not occupy an influential position as a players’ agent for twenty years without possessing the qualities of fine negotiators. These are the ones Kent Hughes put into practice in the process that led to the Ben Chiarot trade on Wednesday night.
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The price demanded for the 30-year-old defender was clear: a first-round pick in 2023.
“We already have three top 35 picks for this year. In all, we already have 13, so getting a first choice in 2023 was part of the discussions, ”explained the general manager of the Canadian.
The latter also clarified that the choice of the Panthers was not protected. Which means that, in the unlikely, but still possible, event that the Panthers collapse and end up in the bottom of the circuit next year, the Canadian could obtain a very high selection rank.
Despite the demands of the Canadian, Hughes maintains that a few teams have shown interest.
“There’s not a team that turned down our request for the 2023 pick. But you never know if a team is really serious until the offer is formal,” Hughes said.
Yes, the Canadian has arranged for Chiarot’s value to be on the rise by using him in all possible ways, by giving him time on the power play and by using him on the right even if he is left-handed. However, he will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Not all teams are willing to sacrifice such a choice for a rental player. Especially since the Panthers had already traded their first- and second-round picks in the upcoming draft.
This is where a negotiator like Hughes manages to come up with a convincing argument.
“When we speak to a team in the East, we tell them that if it does not move, another will. I think that has an influence. If I’m in their place and I think Ben Chiarot is the best defender available, I’m sure I tell myself that if it’s not me who has him, and another team from our association will looking for it, it takes away my chances of winning the Stanley Cup, ”analyzed Hughes.
Smilanic, in the St-Louis mold
The trade with Bill Zito also includes a 2022 4th round pick and Ty Smilanic, a 20-year-old prospect finishing his second season in the NCAA at Quinnipiac University.
“I know Smilanic. He played in the US National Development Program a year before my son. I saw him play several times. My son has played Quinnipiac a few times this year so I was able to watch the games,” Hughes explained.
Obviously, the young American will not come to help the Canadian immediately, but who knows what he could bring to this concession in a few years.
“It’s clear that with Martin, we want to play a faster and more intelligent style of play. So we want to bring players who meet these criteria. Smilanic is a player who skates and can score goals,” described Hughes.
Grateful Chiarot
Passing through the Brossard Sports Complex to greet his former teammates one last time, Chiarot made a detour to the press room, accompanied by Emmerson, his three-year-old daughter.
As he had declared the day before to the Journal, the defender assured that he will keep good memories of his three years spent with the Canadian.
“This time in Montreal allowed me to reach another level both on and off the ice. Luke Riuchardson played a colossal role in my development. He gave me the chance to become the player I am now,” said Chiarot, visibly grateful.
“Everything I expected about the hockey craze in Montreal has come true. As I’ve said many times before, there’s nothing in the NHL like playing at the Bell Center on a Saturday night. »
Back very soon
Chiarot will not take long to reconnect with the supporters who made him vibrate so much. No later than Thursday, the Florida team will be in Montreal.
And since the Panthers end, tonight in Anaheim, a journey of four meetings on the American west coast and that they will be inactive for the next five days, Chiarot could play his very first game in the uniform of the Panthers … at Bell Center.
“Every time you change your uniform, it’s strange. Considering this fact, playing this first match in an environment that I know and in which I am comfortable will perhaps make my adaptation easier. »
Chiarot will face the Canadian again, five days later, at Sunrise.