Thanks to Kent Hughes’ clever management of the salary cap, Patrik Laine is able to start the season without being placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), which allows the Canadiens to optimize their options.
The training camp for the Montreal Canadiens has demonstrated that Lane Hutson is ready for the NHL, showcasing impressive performance that earns him a place at the start of the season. Pairing him alongside David Savard appears to be a logical choice.
However, despite his strong camp, Hutson may temporarily be assigned to Laval before the season begins, due to salary cap regulations. The Canadiens need to navigate significant contracts, like that of Carey Price, to remain under the cap limit.
According to PuckPedia, the Canadiens will initially avoid putting Patrik Laine and Carey Price on the LTIR, opting instead to place Rafaël Harvey-Pinard there. This strategy enhances their ability to manage resources effectively.
In order to approach the salary cap limit without exceeding it, the team might temporarily send Lane Hutson to Laval, which would allow them to make better use of the LTIR. Another possibility is to send Arber Xhekaj, whose salary is slightly higher than Hutson’s, providing the Canadiens with additional flexibility.
Moreover, recalling Hutson could trigger performance bonuses, whereas Xhekaj’s contract does not include such bonuses.
With this smart approach, Patrik Laine is able to avoid the LTIR, and Lane Hutson is in a strong position to begin the season. The Canadiens are actively working to optimize their resources while maintaining a competitive edge.
