Patrik Laine Dodges LTIR; Announcement from the Montreal Canadiens Expected
Thanks to Kent Hughes' shrewd salary cap management, Patrik Laine avoids the LTIR at the start of the season, and the Canadiens maximize their options.
The Montreal Canadiens' training camp has shown that Lane Hutson is ready for the NHL.
The young defenseman performed very well and earned a spot right at the start of the season. Pairing him with David Savard would make sense.
However, despite his strong camp, Hutson could be temporarily sent to Laval before the season starts due to salary cap rules.
Solid salary cap management by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens: Patrik Laine avoids the LTIR
The Canadiens have to manage big contracts, like Carey Price's, to stay within the salary cap.
PuckPedia reports that the Habs will not place Patrik Laine and Carey Price on the LTIR right away, but rather Rafaël Harvey-Pinard.
This allows the Canadiens to be more strategic and manage their resources better.
To come close to the cap without exceeding it, the team could temporarily send Lane Hutson to Laval. This would maximize the use of the LTIR.
Another option would be to send Arber Xhekaj, who has a slightly higher salary than Hutson. This would offer more flexibility for the Canadiens.
Additionally, recalling Hutson would incur performance bonuses, whereas Xhekaj does not have any performance bonuses in his contract.
Thanks to this smart management, Patrik Laine avoids the LTIR, and Lane Hutson seems well-positioned to start the season. The Canadiens are doing everything to maximize their resources and keep a competitive team.
