Major development on the contract extension of Cole Caufield that could complicate things

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Elias Edmonson
June 2, 2023 (9:01)

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We learned yesterday of a major development regarding the contract extension of Cole Caufield with the Canadiens.

While they addressed the subject on TVA Sports, Tony Marinaro brought up crucial information to Jean-Charles Lajoie, which explains quite well why the negotiations do not seem to want to come to fruition, and it's even a new detail that could change everything.

"The Tricolore, from what I hear, is not really interested in giving more money to Caufield than to their captain Nick Suzuki. They want to respect a certain hierarchy in the team and ensure that the captain, who is also the best player, is the highest paid." - Tony Marinaro

Basically, Kent Hughes wants to use somewhat the same strategy the Boston Bruins have used in recent years, which is to establish an annual average scale based on the contract of captain Nick Suzuki as a barometer for the signings of new agreements.

As a result, Hughes undoubtedly wants to get an agreement below the $7.875 million that are granted to the team's number one center and pillar.

Of course, this does not seem to suit the camp of number 22, which is probably aiming for a long-term agreement of more than $8 million per season.

Even though this strategy seems very logical for the Canadiens and I admire the philosophy Hughes wants to install in his salary structure, in order to capitalize efforts on maximum salary cap management, there is a huge risk to foresee in this case.

The star forward's camp could accept the salary cut demanded by Hughes, while demanding in return a shorter-term contract, i.e., 4 or 5 years, instead of 7 or 8 years.

"Assuming we're heading towards a four-year contract, it means that Montreal has three years to win, because in 2027, Caufield will have left [via the free agent market]. This option would force the Canadiens to completely change their plan." - Jean-Charles Lajoie

No need to tell you that this situation would be catastrophic for the Canadiens.

Not only would Caufield's contract have a much faster expiration than expected, but he would become an unrestricted free agent at a time when the club could become serious Stanley Cup contenders again.

On the other hand, it must be said that the comparisons are on the side of Hughes and the Tricolore. Attackers with a profile similar to the CH's little sniper have signed agreements lower than Suzuki, including Matthew Boldy (7 years and $7 million per season) and Dylan Cozens (7 years and $7.142 million per season).

Let's hope this file does not become a source of distraction before the start of the next campaign.

Credit: DansLesCoulisses.com