Montreal Canadiens Bolster Roster: Jared Davidson and Hunter McKown Ink New Deals

In a strategic move to strengthen the organization’s depth, Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes has officially announced the signing of forwards Jared Davidson and Hunter McKown. Both players have agreed to one-year, two-way contracts for the 2026-27 season, signaling the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent within their system.

Jared Davidson: Rising Through the Ranks

Jared Davidson, a promising 24-year-old talent, continues to make strides toward becoming a staple in the Habs’ lineup. After being selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round (130th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, Davidson has shown steady growth and resilience.

During the 2025-26 campaign, Davidson gained valuable experience by appearing in 10 games with the Montreal Canadiens, recording one assist. However, it was with the Laval Rocket in the AHL where he truly found his rhythm, posting an impressive stat line:

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• Games Played: 53
• Goals: 16
• Assists: 9

Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 183 pounds, Davidson brings a blend of agility and scoring instinct that the coaching staff is eager to see develop further.

Hunter McKown: A New Addition to the Mix

Joining Davidson in the new signings is 23-year-old right-handed centerman Hunter McKown. McKown arrives in Montreal following an acquisition from the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this summer in exchange for forward Luke Tuch.

McKown spent the 2025-26 season showcasing his skills with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. His performance was a testament to his consistency and playmaking ability, as evidenced by his regular season and playoff contributions:

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• Regular Season: 63 games, 9 goals, and 16 assists.
• Playoffs: 8 appearances, producing 2 points (1G, 1A).

A native of San Jose, California, McKown is expected to provide versatility and depth to the Canadiens’ forward corps as they prepare for the upcoming season.

What This Means for the Canadiens

By securing these two-way contracts, Kent Hughes is ensuring that the Canadiens have a pipeline of competitive talent ready to jump from the American Hockey League (AHL) to the NHL. The focus on young, hungry players like Davidson and McKown aligns with the team’s broader rebuilding strategy, focusing on development and long-term sustainability.

Fans can look forward to seeing how these two forwards integrate into the system and whether they can leverage their AHL success into permanent roles on the Montreal ice.