The Montreal Canadiens have executed two paper transactions recently, driven by a strategic rationale.
Earlier this week, the team finalized its 23-player roster for the 2024-2025 season, with Jakub Dobes, Adam Engstrom, Logan Mailloux, and Joshua Roy being the final cuts sent to the Laval Rocket.
Kent Hughes is implementing these paper transactions to better manage the team’s salary cap. Observant fans have also noted that Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble have been assigned to Laval.
The purpose of these moves is straightforward: they are intended to optimize the salary cap. Fans can rest assured that Arber Xhekaj will be in the lineup for tonight’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, Struble is currently injured, so his situation will need close monitoring.
Through this maneuver, Kent Hughes aims to avoid putting Patrik Laine or Carey Price on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to begin the season, which has been successfully achieved. If either player needs to be placed on LTIR during the season, different and more favorable rules would apply for the Canadiens.
Currently, only Rafaël Harvey-Pinard has been put on LTIR before the season, providing Hughes with significant flexibility as the season unfolds. This strategy will greatly benefit the Canadiens, particularly if the organization plans to make trades to enhance their chances of reaching the NHL playoffs.
