Montreal Canadiens Expected to Trade Carey Price Contract

The Montreal Canadiens are poised to trade goaltender Carey Price's contract, which carries a $10.5 million cap hit but only $7.5 million in actual salary for the final year, to free up salary cap space and add a needed center to their roster. Price, whose playing career ended due to severe knee injuries after the 2021-22 season, remains on the Canadiens' books but has not played in over three years. The trade is expected to occur around September 1, shortly after the Canadiens pay Price's $5.5 million signing bonus, which clears a key hurdle for facilitating a deal. General Manager Kent Hughes is reportedly willing to include significant draft capital, including first-round picks, to acquire a natural center and strengthen the team's lineup. Potential trade partners include Western Conference teams such as the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks, who may be interested in absorbing the contract to reach the salary cap floor. This move will provide the Canadiens with crucial financial flexibility as they aim to be a strong contender in the 2025-26 NHL season.