Should we expect the Canadiens’ decision makers to be very active in the market for unrestricted free agents?
At first glance, unless major changes occur in the next few hours, the Jeff Gorton/Kent Hughes duo have very little room to manoeuvre. Certainly, there is the prospect of placing the name of Carey Price on the list of absentees for a long period, but still it will be necessary to wait until the start of training camp or the start of the season.
Again, we live in the unknown, unless the leaders of the Habs have relevant information about the goalkeeper.
But OK.
Meanwhile, while the organization’s young player evaluation camp is taking place in Brossard, in the administrative offices, several options are being studied to give even more luster to a team that finished last in the general standings.
We have already changed the personality of the organization. The repechage – during which, unfortunately, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League was again neglected – clearly shows that we want a versatile formation, which, eventually, will be able to adapt to all styles by promoting speed, passion and character. We want to give a new culture and, for this reason, we will ensure that the workforce meets expectations.
Short term projects…
The players selected a few days ago are short and medium term projects. As the repechage is not an exact science, we are not immune to surprises.
The fact remains that the Canadian now has depth. The organization is well off in the minor leagues. Starting in September, a few defensemen will enter the NHL world. Also, striker Juraj Slafkovsky will be there, barring an unexpected turnaround.
Now, can we believe that new experienced players will be added to the group?
Without a doubt.
The options are many.
But above all, significant changes must be made. Hughes and Gorton will not solve problems by clicking their fingers. The competition is fierce, parity invites general managers to exercise great caution.
A quick way
The Gorton/Hughes duo will therefore have to find a way to release contracts that distort the situation and risk slowing down the process of relaunching the concession.
We make some projections, we extrapolate on the composition of the trios. Brendan Gallagher may very well find himself in the third unit with a salary of $ 6.5 million. We will admit that the equation does not work.
Mike Hoffman at $ 4.5 million per season, it does not fit at all with what we are looking for now at the Canadian.
Except that the salary cap is also a source of concern for other NHL team decision makers and it makes Hughes’ job even more difficult. We won’t give him a welcome gift.
This noon, during the opening of the free agent market, he will come with what budget?
He revealed to his counterparts a list of players who may be of interest to them. Good veterans, athletes who in a top team could make the difference. Gallagher and Price, because of their contract, represent enormous risks, and in the current context, who would dare to spend a fortune on one or more hockey players with rather limited resources.
On the other hand, Hughes undoubtedly had to answer several questions concerning Josh Anderson, Jeff Petry and Christian Dvorak.
too many contracts
Over the next few hours, the Canadiens’ decision makers will try to get rid of a few contracts in order to attack the free agent market with some purchasing power.
Who are the players who could interest the Habs?
On the blue line, the list of veterans includes John Klingberg, Nick Leddy, Ben Chiarot and, hey, hey! Brett Kulak.
On offense, it’s hard to predict, especially when you don’t know the budget Gorton and Hughes will have.
Let’s not forget that the two decision makers captured the attention during the repechage. Can they pull off another smash hit?
Amazing Decisions
Here are some of the decisions GMs have made over the past few days.
Photo archives, AFP
Matt Murray
› Matt Murray in Toronto. Why ? Is he a better keeper than Jack Campbell who requires $5 million per season? Kyle Dubas believes him, except he hasn’t resolved his issue with Murray.
› An eight-year contract and $6,125 million annually for Valery Nichushkin. That’s a lot of money for a skater who, until last season, was a big disappointment. An enigmatic player.
› Vitek Vanecek is exchanged. Ilya Samsonov does not have a contract and the Washington Capitals said to him: “thank you for the services rendered”. Who will be the Caps’ number one goaltender? Darcy Kuemper?
› Will the Edmonton Oilers identify Jack Campbell as their priority? They should.
› Who is interested in Evander Kane?
› Will he stay in Calgary or will he try his luck on the free agent market? The spotlights are turned on Johnny Gaudreau.