Players are always waiver exempt through their ELC so Guhle and Struble won't lose it until the 25-26 season at the earliest (not that it matters for Guhle for obvious reasons). Also Norlinder isn't in consideration for an NHL spot next season and is generally unlikely to be extended a contract at all this summer so he's not worth mentioning.

In short it's likely MTL start next season with a similar group on defense as last season with really only Barron's status having changed. So once again, as previously stated, MTL isn't in a much tougher position than last season with regard to waivers.

Hughes defense is highly underrated. He is young (20) so there are some holes to fill and he will continue to gain experience and mature physically.

He is likely every bit as good defensively as Ghule, and probably better.

Barron loses his exemption next year

Definitely not:
Guhle Hits/60 at 4.76, Hughes at 0.81
Guhle BSH/60 at 7.31, Hughes at 1.87
Guhle TKA/60 - GvA/60 = -0.74, Hughes at -0.92

I don't love +/- but the fact that Guhle is -8 on a team with -53 differential, while Hughes is -25 on a team with -19 differential, it says a bit.

Again, Guhle is a year older, so there is some time for Hughes to improve in that category, but as of now, Guhle is a solid bit ahead of Hughes defensively.

It says Luke Hughes was on the ice for 22 empty netters

Hits = not defense. Just means you are playing without the puck more.

Blocked shots = not really defense either. It often means you are playing more in defensive zone

Giveaways - Takeaways = if one is a puck carrier like Hughes, they are going to show more giveaways. Some of the best players in NHL lead league in giveaways because they are often tasked with moving puck.

xGA/60
Guhle = 2.75
Hughes = 2.68

SA/60
Guhle = 29.78
Hughes = 28.71

CA/60
Guhle = 62.75
Hughes = 54.60

FA/60
Guhle = 44.01
Hughes = 40.93

SCA/60
Guhle = 31.15
Hughes = 25.84