/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2F2026%2F07%2F12b55b94-fd9f-40c4-aa0c-4bd8148cda3c.jpg)
The NHL is considering expansion. We know that.
And of course, a new team means an expansion draft. It's obviously not going to happen overnight, but it's still something to keep in mind.
When the NHL does expand, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will need to be ready.
Marc Bergevin handled it well when the Golden Knights and the Kraken joined the NHL, since Alexei Emelin and Cale Fleury were the only players who left. And there were no disastrous trades to hand a star player to the Vegas club…
But what does the future hold for HuGo in the event of an expansion?
If we assume a new team could join the league in three years, it's clear the Canadiens might still have players at risk of being selected in the draft.
David Ettedgui recently published a list on this topic. He identified Alex Newhook, Oliver Kapanen, Mike Matheson, David Reinbacher, and a young goaltender (one of the Jacobs or Jakubs) as players to be exposed.
Which key player will the Habs lose? Behind the scenes of the decisions that need to be made right now
Everyone is talking about the core group of nine players signed by the Canadiens, but one thing nobody is talking about is the possibility of an NHL expansion in 2029–30 with… pic.twitter.com/eCf5adq3zF
— David Ettedgui (@EttedguiDavid) July 7, 2026
In three years, the Canadiens will be in even deeper trouble. We also have to factor in Michael Hage and the additions Kent Hughes will surely end up making to the top-6 among the players to be protected.
But in the shorter term?
The Athletic ran the numbers. And if there were ever to be an expansion draft in 2027, Oliver Kapanen was the player selected by the sports outlet.
A 32-man roster was put together.
What I'm trying to say is that Kent Hughes needs to keep this in mind. It shouldn't drive him crazy, but the longer the expansion is delayed, the more established—and potentially exposed—the Habs' young players will become.
In a few years, the Habs (who should be a powerhouse) could really lose a key player.
In a nutshell
– Interesting.
Several players are in Brossard this morning, including Ivan Demidov, Alexander Zharovsky, Brendan Gallagher, Zachary Bolduc, Alexandre Carrier, Jayden Struble, and Samuel Montembeault.
@DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #NHL pic.twitter.com/Fkdla6JPcu
— Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) July 20, 2026
– Wow.
Thirteen straight wins—that's no small feat. https://t.co/EAdOiLFkSw https://t.co/dFG9hAwTiF
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 20, 2026
– It was just a formality.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on one-year, two-way contracts (2026–2027) with forwards Jared Davidson and Hunter McKown.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on one-year, two-way contracts (2026–27) with forwards Jared Davidson and Hunter McKown.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/QogC1A3SEO
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) July 20, 2026
– Are the Habs looking for a center? What do you mean, nobody told me?
Chris Johnston: I do think the Jets are a team—like the Canadiens and a whole lot of others—that could use someone who can play center in their top six; they've been chasing that for years and years – Chris Johnston Show (7/10)
— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) July 20, 2026
– He deserves a long-term contract.
Elliotte Friedman: On Rod Brind'Amour's future with the Hurricanes: We know it's kind of a year-to-year situation now – 32 Thoughts (7/6)
— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) July 20, 2026
– Hmm…
Top 10 NHL Teams with the Highest Forward Cap Hits
(Data via @PuckPedia – 2026-27)1. Florida Panthers – $69.22M
2. Utah Mammoth – $66.39M
3. Toronto Maple Leafs – $64.59M
4. Carolina Hurricanes – $65.20M
5. Colorado Avalanche – $63.00M6. Anaheim Ducks – $62.66M… pic.twitter.com/Y7GxfifGsA
— NHL Forum (@NHLxForum) July 19, 2026
