RUMOR | Over $8M per year for Mason Marchment

Today is July 1. Happy Canada Day, happy move, happy Free Agency Day, and so on.

On this hot July day, the Montreal Canadiens will try to improve their roster. And if that's going to happen, it's likely to come via a trade.

Expecting a blockbuster move in the unrestricted free-agent market is unlikely at this point.

If you're hoping for a big splash, we regret to inform you that Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes won't be making one in the unrestricted free-agent pool. @EricEngels says there are still reasons to pay attention, though. https://t.co/athMS2Dj6Q

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 30, 2026

It makes sense. Historically, free agents haven't been the Canadiens' strong suit… there are few top-tier players available on the free-agent market right now… and the prices are sky-high.

How crazy?

According to what Renaud Lavoie reported this morning on BPM Sports, Mason Marchment's camp could be asking for more than eight million dollars a year.

He may be linked to the Canadiens by several sources, but I'm having a hard time imagining Kent Hughes offering him more than he offers his own captain. Marchment isn't exactly the eighth wonder of the world!

As the NHL's Signing Season opens on July 1, @FriedgeHNIC shares some thoughts and predictions on free agency, the trade market, and more to come this summer. https://t.co/Rwd2rWfP63

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2026

Keep in mind that, according to Eric Engels, he has already chosen his next destination—but it won't be Montreal.

Could it be Toronto? I have my doubts. The team is also pursuing Sergei Bobrovsky and Zach Werenski, and as far as I know, the salary cap is still in place.

San Jose? The Sharks' name is being mentioned…

In reality, if the Canadiens make a move for a top-tier player, it's very likely to be via trade. Because even though Marchment is a player who fits the team's needs with his sacrosanct sandpaper style, he's expensive per point at that price…

Here's what our reporter @Antho_Martineau has learned in the last few hours https://t.co/QHcpFiTKnq

— TVA Sports (@TVASports) July 1, 2026

It's worth noting that Marchment tallied 45 points in Seattle and Columbus last year. His career-high season was 53 points.

Kent Hughes doesn't have the salary cap space to add a contract like that without giving one up. That's also why a trade makes more sense.

Montreal is interested, but I don't think the Canadiens want to commit to a long-term deal (they don't want to block younger players in the pipeline). The Sharks make a lot of sense, as @DarrenDreger says here https://t.co/RvUkbKyOqV

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2026

In a nutshell

– Yes.

Tough break for the Yankees. https://t.co/alCL6eL1Dx https://t.co/aZnAEjCbnd

— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 1, 2026

– Indeed.

Get ready for a reset of the salary scales today.

An agent I spoke with expects the salary cap to surpass the $120 million mark in '28–'29.

And projections could climb even higher with a potential expansion. @TVASports

— Nicolas Cloutier (@NCloutierTVA) July 1, 2026

– The goalie merry-go-round is likely to continue.

Carolina remains a contender for Connor Hellebuyck, while it's fair to wonder if Buffalo will come back to the table. Nothing is imminent with Hellebuyck. The Jets are focused on free agency today, but will get involved if trade talks intensify.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2026