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It's confirmed for Kent Hughes, and he will have several options for Martin St-Louis

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David St-Jean
September 15, 2024  (10:33)
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Kent Hughes and the Canadiens have employed a highly effective strategy since the new management team took over, and they demonstrated it again this summer.

Keeping some cap space available is the best way to make major acquisitions at minimal costs, such as Sean Monahan or Patrik Laine.

With the salary structure set by Kent Hughes, he positions himself to never be constrained by the salary cap, which gives him a significant advantage.

Now, with the NHL salary cap increasing by $4.5 million this year, teams will have more flexibility but will also face important decisions.

Big names might end up on waivers, as noted by Marco D'Amico.

"Teams are talking, not just chatting, but having serious conversations about adjusting their rosters and adding pieces. Many young players are entering the league this year, over 11 teams with more than $5 million in cap space and numerous contracts open. This will likely lead to more trades and waiver claims than in previous years." - NHL Source

With the additional $4.5 million, GMs like Kent Hughes will be able to more easily target players on waivers to improve their teams.

"In recent years, we've seen some surprising waiver moves, like Montreal placing Joel Armia last year or even Barclay Goodrow this summer in New York. With the cap flexibility, keep an eye on some veterans who might be pushed out by prospects needing to clear waivers if a trade can't be made." - NHL Source

This is where it gets interesting. The source believes there will be some very intriguing names on waivers, and the teams that stand to benefit the most are those in rebuilding phases, like the Canadiens.

"But it's the rebuilding clubs like the Montreal Canadiens, the Anaheim Ducks, and the Calgary Flames that could gain the most." - NHL Source

Kent Hughes will have the opportunity to pick from the available players on waivers. With Carey Price's $10.5 million going on LTIR and being fifth in the waiver priority, the Canadiens' roster could change quite rapidly, and Martin St-Louis could have some excellent additional options.

Source: rg.org
Source: Rare Roster Flexibility �Likely To Mean More Trades And Waiver Pickups' In The NHL Preseason

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In your opinion, will Kent Hughes be able to acquire a good veteran or a promising young player from waivers at the start of the season?

Yes15768.3 %
No7331.7 %
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