For any business leader, this is possibly the most important and, most importantly, the most strategic time of the year.
We need to prepare for next season and that includes: personnel changes; signing of new contracts; submit qualifying offers; Consider the possibility of making a hostile offer to a high-ranking player. contract refund; Change in support staff.
In short, nothing should be forgotten.
In the numerous discussions leading up to the presentation of the amateur players’ draft session, several scenarios are played out between the league’s decision makers.
So what is Kent Hughes’ agenda? I think we all have our little ideas.
It obviously starts with two players who have garnered attention over the last few months and in one case in particular over the last few weeks.
What are we going to do with Samuel Montembeault? Has his status changed since he played a key role in winning Team Canada gold at the Worlds? And of course there are the negotiations between the Caufield clan and the Canadian.
For Hughes and Jeff Gorton, the challenge is daunting. We have just started the second phase of the concession recovery plan. Can Hughes and Gorton surprise their league peers like they did last season?
With the fifth pick in the amateur players’ draft, can they embark on a scenario that might surprise all observers?
discretion
So far, the Canadiens’ two key decision makers have been very discreet. We can always extrapolate.
contract refund? A serious contender: Mike Hoffman. Another, but whose salary isn’t a cause for concern at the moment: Joel Armia.
Brendan Gallagher? One observer told me this week, “They’re going to explore that possibility in 2024, right now that would be way too big a financial commitment and the Canadian has no chance of winning the Stanley Cup next year.” So we might as well wait , and Hughes and Gorton can take refuge in the extended severance package, which doesn’t affect day-to-day administration of the salary cap.
And Pierre Luc?
Transaction: Pierre-Luc Dubois. What is the price to pay? Hughes has previously said he has no time to lose if Nick Suzuki’s name comes up. Kirby Dash? Why swap the roof for a Dubois?
Hughes certainly has other intentions if he decides to make a trade in hopes of improving his roster.
Financial commitments to reconsider and above all at a price set by the company without compromise: for example the Jonathan Drouin file. Paul Byron? He has already indicated that he no longer had the means to continue his career.
Will we change Montembeault’s contract? There’s no reason to rush things. We know Montembeault’s value at the Canadiens and he becomes a key asset when talks with another team are accentuated. Who knows ?
The Caufield File
The Cole Caufield file remains. Pat Brisson has several scenarios on the table. The Canadian too. Will we agree by June 30th? Possible. But do we know what role Caufield wants to play? Does he prefer a bridging contract? Does he want a multi-year contract? How does he foresee the next and crucial seasons of his career?
In other words, will he bet on his talent or go for safety?
Has he commented on this topic?
The answer is no.
And the Canadian also has his plan.
What is it? Undoubtedly we want a long cooperation. A pact that could ensure the organization of the presence of a young and dynamic player who has quickly become one of the great favorites of the fans.
But are we faced with a file like that of Auston Matthews, who a few years ago refused to commit for more than five years? Complete autonomy is now his top priority.
Or are we in a situation where a young player would make the same choice as the Dallas Stars’ Jason Robertson, who has initially brought forward a four-year, $31 million deal before considering autonomy?
Robertson relies on his talent.
In his first season he scored 46 goals.
Cole Caufield will have to make a choice.
An ordinary market
One more month, then we invite the teams to make their choice.
The unrestricted free agent market offers nothing exciting.
A few names: Tyler Bertuzzi. Does he want to play in Canada? Not sure. Ryan O’Reilly. At what price ? It has lost its luster. Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko. Her performance at Rangers has put off some organizations.
Alex Killorn. Interesting. But what is its true value in the marketplace? Max Dom. Good impression in Dallas, but is that enough? The answer is no. Matt Dumba, a defender who will draw attention. Jonathan Toews. Does he still have the resources to compete at the same level as the young players? NO. Vitali Gavrikov, a young and reliable defender, an interesting case. Connor Brown. He will certainly attract interest from some teams. Radko Gudas. You saw it during the playoffs. Interesting. Milan Lucic? A veteran but very limited. JT Compher. It deserves to be investigated.
Sean Monahan. Is he healthy? Can he get back in shape? And Alexander Kerfoot? A third row player.
