A major declaration from Gorton could mean the end of a surprising forward in Montreal

PUBLICATION

Jeff Drouin
September 25, 2022 (2:13)

SHARE THIS STORY

In order to set the table for the new season and for the big decisions to come from the Montreal Canadiens, Jeff Gorton was recently on TSN690 Montreal, and he made a major statement about the organization's intentions.

It's no surprise to anyone that the CH would really like to have more flexibility under the salary cap, and on top of that, there are clearly too many "NHL" caliber forwards currently on the roster.

We must therefore expect that a high-salary forward will eventually leave the organization, either via trade or via waivers.

Indeed, the waivers would now be an option considered by the Tricolore's management, in order to lower the payroll, and the number of forwards of the Canadiens, at the same time.

See what Gorton just mentioned on this subject:

"It's not your preferred option (placing a high-salary forward in the draft), it's not something we want to do, but sometimes you have no choice. If all these young players are willing to help us now and it also helps them become better players, then yes we will create space.

Whether it's by trade or by waivers, we'll be as creative as we can to make it work so we can get the right players in place." - Jeff Gorton

So the Canadiens could really place a very surprising name on waivers, by the start of the season, to make room under the salary cap. They'll try to trade him first, but if that doesn't work out, waivers is an option.

Obviously, the first names that come to mind for many, as possible surprise candidates, are these:

- Evgeny Dadonov (5 millions for one year)

- Mike Hoffman (4.5 million for two years)

- Joel Armia ($3.4 million for three years)

- Jonathan Drouin ($5.5 million for one year)

- Paul Byron ($3.4 million for one year)

These are the possible candidates for the runoff, if it really comes down to it. It would be a surprise, but it could obviously happen.

On the other hand, let's mention here that Dadonov is impressive, so far.

In short, which one would you choose? Do you think it would be a mistake to put one of these names in the running?

For Gorton's full explanation:

Credit: Fanadiens.com