Kent Hughes has done a great job signing all of his best players to low-cost contracts.
These contracts will help the team improve by adding important new elements in the future. The Habs' salary situation is the envy of many NHL players.
At least that's it Harman Dayal reported in recent article for Athletic.
NHL Teams That Will Give Up Bad Contracts and Take Significant Salary Cap Reductions in 2026 https://t.co/r2HYfMyEEp
– The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) November 10, 2025
The Habs have been dealing with bad contracts the past few seasons. Kent Hughes secured Carey Price's contract before the campaign began, with another one to follow this summer.
Patrik Laine's $8.7 million contract is being terminated. It would be surprising to see him sign a new contract with the Habs, but if he does, it won't be for very much money.
Based on the current season, Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson also have two seasons left on their contracts, which have become too large for what they bring to the team.
Funny. This comes at a time when Kent Hughes needs to offer new contracts to Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, Jakub Dobes and Alex Newhook.
What's most impressive about the Canadiens' situation is that by the end of the decade, their core will be complete at a low cost.
Nick Suzuki is hitting 100 points this season and his Habs contract is worth just $7.875 million. Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkowski are also paid less.
On defense, Noah Dobson ($9.5 million average) and Lane Hutson ($8.85 million average) will be paid slightly more than the forwards, but they didn't ask for the moon either. Kayden Gul's $5.5 million is also attractive because of his talent.
With all of these contracts, the Canadiens will have $27.9 million in salary cap space this summer.
Let's just say that should be enough to expand the lineup of Mike Matheson, Zachary Bolduc, Kirby Dach and Arber Czekay.
Montreal is in an excellent financial position and things can only get better over the next few years. This will help us find reinforcements to support our core.
After a while
– Wow!
After all, Andrei Vasilevskiy could have been a member of the Ottawa Senators if…he'd worn sunscreen.
pic.twitter.com/vLnQOm6Vy0
– Martin Lemay (@MartinLemay) November 13, 2025
– Vincent Trocheck is important to the Rangers.
Vincent Trocheck may have been the missing piece @New York Rangers.
Rangers take over @TBLightning at 7:00 pm ET @NHL_On_TNT And @SportsonMax! https://t.co/piRizRtZRX pic.twitter.com/Pu85eg7Gp1
– NHL Media (@NHLMedia) November 12, 2025
“It’s time to win the playoffs.”
Will this finally lead to playoff success?
https://t.co/i34KOThvvu
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 12, 2025
– Marc-Antoine Dequois needed a change this season.
Les Alouettes | Marc-Antoine Dequois and the need to reinvent oneself https://t.co/kHR1rvFGo8
– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) November 13, 2025
