Hockey

“Once Carey Price is traded, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Canadiens make a move.”
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
“Once Carey Price is traded, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Canadiens make a move.”
Credit: Getty Images

Recently, we've been talking about how the Canadiens, under Kent Hughes, are never afraid to make a move in August. In fact, the situation is different this year. The Canadiens don't have the same expectations on the ice as in 2022, for example, which changes the club's potential transactions. And, above all, Carey Price's contract, which puts the Habs over the cap, also changes the game.

More than ever, it seems clear that the Canadiens are in full danger of being able to trade the goalie's contract to a team that wants to hit the salary floor in 2025-2026. Reading Marco D'Amico's (RG media) most recent piece, at least, it seems clear that the people he talks to have in mind the fact that Price will leave after his $5.5M bonus has been paid on September 1.

And from there? Once Price is gone, the Canadiens won't have to worry about the summer injury list, and the club can move on to the next stage of its summer game plan. And one source chatted about the importance of this scenario.

Right now, nothing's happening. But once Carey Price is traded, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Canadiens make a move.

Does this mean the Canadiens will be in a position to go after a second center in September? After all, that's what the Canadiens need most right now, andit may help, considering that the Canadiens have less of a chance than other teams in the Mason McTavish deal, not least because of the salary he'll have to pay.

But at the same time, keep in mind what D'Amico reminds us: the Habs are keen on David Reinbacher and Michael Hage. Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton don't want to give them up, and a hostile offer sheet isn't likely right now either. It'll be hard to dance with the Ducks under those circumstances… but it's not just McTavish who's a target. The Habs could be targeting other aspects of their line-up in September. Not many top-tier centers changed addresses this summer. Will the GM pull a rabbit out of his hat? Considering that it's possible he'll make decisions that haven't been publicly discussed, I think he may manage to do something unexpected by then… but not necessarily on the top-6. Until then, enjoy your pool… and play at making your trios with the elements currently in place.

'Overtime'

– Nice.

– Of note.

– Here she is on her boyfriend's podcast while she has an album to promote.

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