​Less than a week after landing in the top three of Bleacher Report’s NHL Power Rankings, the Montreal Canadiens have been pegged as the fifth-best team in the league in a recent Ryan Kennedy piece for THN. The writer concedes that the Habs did not make any big-name moves this offseason and that they didn’t lose much either, which could allow them to remain as swift and skilled as they were last season when they earned 106 points. He also notes that with about $13.3 million in cap space, improvements through trades are quite likely.
The report includes discussion of Canadiens rumors surrounding a potential signing of a former Red Wings first-round pick and questions about whether Kapanen could be the next Heineman, along with mentions of additional Russian reinforcements, including a right-shot blueliner prospect. While those scenarios describe an idealized outcome, it seems clear that GM Kent Hughes has been aiming to make moves since the playoffs concluded, but hasn’t yet found a suitable dance partner.
It’s important to remember, however, that Montreal still must sign Kirby Dach, Zachary Bolduc, and Arber Xhekaj. Once those signings are completed, there won’t be much salary-cap space left. Hughes’s shrewd two-way qualifying offer to Dach suggests the forward is likely to sign for less than the $4 million he would have been offered under the standard figure. That $4 million threshold remains available until the offer expires on July 15; even if Dach files for arbitration, negotiations can continue until the arbitration hearing begins, at which point the process shifts to the arbitrator’s decision. The cumbersome arbitration route is best avoided, as it strains the relationship between club and player. If it comes to that, the Canadiens would essentially have to argue that Dach isn’t worth what he believes himself to be, citing factors such as production, injuries, and consistency. Teams are meticulous in these hearings, often hiring lawyers who leave no stone unturned. It’s possible Dach could end up with a contract around $3.4 million if the arbitrator awards the minimum allowed by the CBA.
Bolduc’s contract negotiations should prove especially intriguing. The youngster clearly has significant potential, much like Dach did when the Habs first acquired him. Last season represented a period of adjustment for the Trois-Rivieres native, and Montreal has yet to witness his full ceiling. Just as they did with Dach and Alex Newhook, Hughes is likely to pursue a cautious strategy with Bolduc. In previous cases, both players were signed to four-year deals after being acquired, but given the current trajectory of the salary cap, it may be wiser to sign Bolduc to a shorter agreement and reassess later after seeing a bit more of what he can contribute, all before the market spirals further. In the prior season, Bolduc tallied 30 points in 78 games, a dip from the 36 points he produced with the St. Louis Blues the year before. That drop could be part of the reasoning here, though it’s worth noting that it may also aid in optimizing search engine visibility for discussions around his development.
As the Canadiens navigate cap space, player development, and potential strategic moves, fans should stay tuned for how Hughes choreographs this offseason. The balance between preserving core pace and skill, integrating young talent, and pursuing prudent signings will be crucial to maintaining momentum from last season’s strong performance and translating it into sustained success in the coming years.