Finally, a contract buyout decided by the Montreal Canadiens: here is what it would cost to buy out forward Brendan Gallagher
We talked to you yesterday about the serious possibility of seeing Joel Armia's contract being bought out by the Montreal Canadiens, but he is not the only one who will need to perform in the coming months if he wants to avoid such a fate.
As many young players will push to secure spots within the main team, and as Kent Hughes wants to give himself as much flexibility as possible under the NHL's salary cap, another name has just been targeted.
Gallagher, 31 years old, earns 6.5 million dollars per season until 2027, but he only amassed 8 goals and 14 points last season. The season before? 7 goals and 23 points.
Unfortunately, even if we like him a lot, if Gallagher has another disappointing season and if he is not able to play like a second or third line player, his contract could be bought out.
This is exactly the possibility explored in the last few hours by columnist Samuel Doiron.
He even reveals what the buyout of "Gally's" contract would cost.
Basically, everything will depend on the speed at which the CH becomes competitive.
Without buying out Gallagher's contract next summer, here is its impact on the Canadiens' payroll:
6.5 million dollars in 2024
6.5 million dollars in 2025
6.5 million dollars in 2026
By buying out Gallagher's contract next summer, here is its impact on the Canadiens' payroll:
- 0.3 million dollars in 2024
2.16 million dollars in 2025
4.66 million dollars in 2026
2.16 million dollars in 2027-28-29
The Canadiens would therefore be extremely profitable in 2024, very profitable in 2025, quite profitable in 2026 (saving about 2 million dollars), but it would be losing in 2027, 2028, and 2029 (by about 2 million dollars).
Honestly, overall, it really wouldn't be a contract buyout that would be damaging for the future. Kent Hughes gives himself a lot of room to maneuver for three seasons, and it only costs him 2 million per season for the next three years.
This will therefore be a file to watch.
Credit: HABSolutelyFan via CapFriendly
| POLL | ||
Which one would you buy out first? | ||
| Armia | 591 | 47.9 % |
| Gallagher | 418 | 33.9 % |
| None of the two | 225 | 18.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
