Kent Hughes and the Canadiens Announce Two Paper Transactions, Benefiting the Cap
The Montreal Canadiens have indeed completed two paper transactions in the past few hours, and there's a logical reason behind it.
As you know, earlier this week, the Habs' management finalized their 23-player roster for the 2024-2025 season.
Jakub Dobes, Adam Engstrom, Logan Mailloux, and Joshua Roy were the last players cut and sent to the Laval Rocket.
Kent Hughes' paper transactions to better position the team under the salary cap
Some sharp-eyed fans have noticed that Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble have also been sent down to Laval.
But why?
As the title suggests, these are simply "paper transactions" to optimize the salary cap.
It's purely strategic, and rest assured, Arber Xhekaj will indeed be in the lineup tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
However, in Struble's case, he is injured, so we will need to monitor his condition more closely.
With this strategic move, Kent Hughes aimed to avoid placing Patrik Laine or Carey Price on the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to start the season.
Mission accomplished!
If he places Laine or Price on the LTIR "in-season," completely different and much more favorable rules for the Canadiens apply.
Only Rafaël Harvey-Pinard has been placed on the LTIR before the season, which will significantly help Kent Hughes throughout the year, giving him some flexibility to start the season.
Well played!
This will really benefit the Canadiens, especially if the organization aims to make trades during the season to strengthen their push for an NHL playoff spot.
A smart move by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton!
| POLL | ||
Do you think Kent Hughes will be a seller or a buyer at the 2025 trade deadline? | ||
| Buyer | 198 | 32.9 % |
| Seller | 281 | 46.8 % |
| None of the two | 122 | 20.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
