Summer hasn’t started yet, but Montreal Canadiens fans had a big reason to celebrate with the announcement of Cole Caufield’s contract. But Kent Hughes’ shopping list doesn’t end there.
On a purely financial level, the Habs’ general manager has significantly reduced the payroll spot, as the energy forward has an eight-year contract and a salary of $7.85 million. Factoring in Carey Price on the long-term injured list, Hughes will have about $11.23 million to play with this summer, according to CapFriendly.
Fortunately, the largest file could be processed. Then we need to talk about free agents with compensation. Among the athletes in this category, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard stands out.
The Quebecer brought a breath of fresh air to the Bleu Blanc Rouge in the second half of the season. The hard worker scored 14 goals and 20 points in 34 games in Montreal. He scored as many goals as Mike Hoffman and Kirby Dach but played almost half as many games.
Since he doesn’t have much National League experience, “RHP” could get a cheap salary for his team. The 24-year-old left winger will want to prove he belongs with the squad when the infirmary isn’t full.
Will they come back?
Among free agents, Jonathan Drouin represents a question mark. The Sainte-Agathe native has missed many games in recent years and has struggled to shake the ropes. It seems certain that he will not immediately find a salary of $ 5.5 million.
Will the Canadian part ways with this polarizing player who is nevertheless a great community ambassador? Of course, everything depends on the ice and with 29 points in 58 games, Drouin is far from useless.
Then we have to wonder if Sean Monahan and Denis Gurianov benefited enough from their auditions to continue the adventure in Quebec. The second is a paid free agent and must receive a qualifying offer by July 1st.
Unless there’s a surprise, Paul Byron and Chris Tierney won’t be coming back. In Laval, the names of Alex Belzile, Jesse Ylönen and Nicolas Beaudin will draw attention. Anthony Richard and Joël Teasdale will also gain autonomy.
Already Montembeault?
Since his notable appearance at the Ice Hockey World Championship, the name Samuel Montembeault has often cropped up in discussions. In fact, it’s a contract extension that’s often discussed as the Quebecer’s performance speaks for itself.
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
No worries for the 2023-2024 season as the 26-year-old athlete will be in the second season of a two-year contract. He’ll get his hands on $1 million again. In his case, a raise is on the cards and it could be something that Kent Hughes wants to settle quickly so he doesn’t have to think about it anymore.
Speaking of peace of mind, the GM could also get off the payroll by buying out a contract. Joel Armia, who will be paid $3.4 million by 2024-2025, is many’s favorite candidate for it. An acquisition would allow CH to save $2.86 million.
Some cases were resolved by the first day of the draft, June 28. Apparently July 1st, the date of the opening of the free agent market, is circled on all calendars.