The Montreal Canadiens may pursue forward additions following the expected trade of goaltender Carey Price, according to a report by The Hockey Writers. Price, who has been sidelined due to chronic knee issues, is widely anticipated to be placed on long-term injured reserve and later traded to facilitate cap relief for the Canadiens.
This move, while tough given Price’s storied tenure with the institution, opens up approximately $3.5 million in cap space, providing general manager Kent Hughes with increased financial versatility. The Canadiens, currently undergoing a rebuild, could utilize these funds to address needs at forward, potentially acquiring a player who aligns with their developing core. Hughes has previously indicated a willingness to explore all avenues to improve the team’s offensive depth, and Price’s trade would empower him to do so.
price’s contract carries an annual average value of $10.5 million through the 2025-26 season.While his health has prevented him from playing since 2021-22, his impact on the Canadiens and the city of Montreal remains significant.The team has not confirmed any trade plans as of today, but the expectation within league circles is that a deal will materialize in the coming weeks.
The Canadiens’ forward group currently features young players like Nick Suzuki, Cole caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky. Adding a veteran presence or a skilled winger could accelerate their growth and bolster the team’s scoring potential. Hughes has demonstrated a patient approach to the rebuild, prioritizing asset acquisition and long-term sustainability. A strategic addition at forward, enabled by Price’s trade, would represent a continuation of that strategy.