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:
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:
POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 25 | 674 ANSWERS A major declaration from Gorton could mean the end of a surprising forward in Montreal Who would you put on waivers? | ||
Hoffman | 287 | 42.6 % |
Dadonov | 39 | 5.8 % |
Armia or Drouin | 285 | 42.3 % |
Other | 63 | 9.3 % |
List of polls |