The Canadiens are reportedly about to release four players including one unexpected name

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Elias Edmonson
June 15, 2023 (11:04)

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As the season of decisions is upon us in the NHL and with the Montreal Canadiens, information begins to circulate.

Among the decisions to be made, Kent Hughes had to decide on the future of Denis Gurianov in Montreal, and according to reliable sources cited by The Athletic, it seems this case is resolved.

The Canadiens have reportedly decided not to submit a qualifying offer to Gurianov.

This qualifying offer would have been a one-season contract worth $2.9 million.

Is it already over for Gurianov in Montreal?

So, Gurianov will become completely free (unrestricted free agent) and he can sign with any team of his choice in July.

Kent Hughes could still try to sign him as a free agent, but the chances of that happening seem very low.

In all likelihood, Gurianov has already played his last game with the Montreal Canadiens. This was obviously not planned in his contract, because he was to become a restricted free agent, but Hughes would have decided otherwise.

In 23 games with the Habs, the 26-year-old forward amassed 5 goals and 3 assists.

And the others?

According to this source, unsurprisingly, Jonathan Drouin, Sean Monahan, and Alex Belzile are seemingly going to test their freedom and will be released by the Canadiens on July 1st.

They will not receive any contract offers by the deadline.

So, they will be completely free. They can discuss and sign with the teams of their choice.

However, please note that in the case of Monahan, even though he will be free on July 1st, Kent Hughes and the Canadiens might be interested in submitting a new, lesser contract offer to him.

Knowing how much Sean Monahan enjoyed his stay in Montreal, he could still decide to return to the city, but there will be competition for his services and he will owe nothing more to the Habs.