In Montreal, Jeff Gorton`s recent media appearance didn`t offer surprising revelations, which met expectations given the timing.
With the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft just a day away, it wasn`t the right moment for him to disclose sensitive team information.
Nevertheless, Canadiens supporters can take comfort in Gorton`s statement during Thursday`s 12-minute press briefing: he reaffirmed his and GM Kent Hughes` dedication to the long-term strategy aimed at making the team a consistent contender eventually.
When questioned about the pressure to immediately capitalize on the team`s unexpectedly early playoff appearance in 2025, the executive vice-president of hockey operations indicated he wasn`t feeling such pressure.
“We will make choices aligned with our objective,” Gorton stated, “which is to build a team capable of competing consistently over many years. We won`t make decisions that hinder this long-term goal just to achieve a small short-term gain. We`re sticking to our plan. Our hope is to keep developing and improve, but we`ll have to see how things unfold.”
“This weekend and the summer are significant for us,” he added, “but we are committed to avoiding any foolish actions.”
Neville Woodall 
Duncan Priestley