Bettman is said to be on the verge of a big announcement and it would be major for Hughes and his counterparts

PUBLICATION

Jeff Drouin
August 24, 2022 (8:14 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

As we've seen with several surprising trades that have come to a close this summer, the salary cap (more than ever) is very difficult for the various NHL general managers to respect.

Building a competitive team, while respecting the salary cap, in 2022, is a big issue and organizations are willing to do anything to give themselves some leeway.

This is one of the reasons for the transactions involving Max Pacioretty and Sean Monahan (two very good players who were given for free). Even Montreal received a valuable first round pick with Monahan. This is almost unheard of.

This could change just in time for the ch.

As reported by our colleagues at GoHabsGo.com, NHL general managers could be about to get some great news.

According to what Bill Daly, the NHL's No. 2 man, revealed during his appearance on the 32 Thoughts podcast, at the end of next season, there could be an announcement in connection with a significant increase in the NHL's salary cap thanks to revenue projections for the coming seasons.

In fact, to hear Mr. Daly speak, it seems almost assured.

Unless there is a major turnaround, this will be a major deal for general managers, especially for an executive like Kent Hughes who will want to sign some big names between now and 2024 to help the Canadiens take the next step in their rebuild.

He will obviously have a lot of leeway to re-sign players like Jonathan Drouin and Sean Monahan, but also, to make a big move on the free agent market.

This is also great news for Hughes because many contracts will expire in Montreal and some of his young players will command salary increases in the next few years, like Cole Caufield.

All of this comes at a perfect time for the Habs.

National Hockey League team payrolls could really increase significantly after the 2023-2024 season, a year earlier than expected.

The cap is currently set at $82.5 million, but could soon jump by $7 or $8 million.

"I've seen the preliminary estimates, which make me more optimistic about the cap increasing sooner, whether it's two or three years from now. I think it's more likely to be less than three seasons, than more" - Bill Daly

To be continued, but it's promising, especially for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, who are in a great position.

Credit: GoHabsGo.com