NHL News: Not Patrik Laine’s contract, Canadiens reportedly moving on from ludicrous deal which bottom teams can’t resist

The Montreal Canadiens have their fair share of hefty deals they’d like to somehow move off their books. Patrik Laine’s might be one that fits into that category. However, reports indicate the Habs are planning to move on from another contract—one that many organizations in the NHL might be interested in.

Carey Price hasn’t retired per se, but his playing days are over. However, his eight-year, $84 million contract has one season left. Set to expire after the 2025-26 NHL season, the Habs are looking to move on from the deal. Carrying an annual cap hit of $10.5M, Montreal would be much better off without it.

Laine and the Canadiens can relax during the regular season as Price is placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), but such a move has no benefits during the offseason. Thus, the Habs have been restricted from exploring the market due to the burden they carry in the form of a $10.5 million dead cap hit.

Once a Hab, always a Hab

All eyes in Montreal are on September 1st. On that date, Price’s $5.5M signing bonus will be paid, reducing his actual salary to $2M, as reported by YardBarker. Then, moving on from the netminder’s contract will become a much easier task. Per reports, there will be an intense market of NHL organizations checking in on the iconic Habs goalie.

Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens looks on prior to Game Five of the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on July 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

“Carey Price’s contract after September 1 will be far too attractive for floor teams to resist. $10.5M AAV v. $800K in salary,” TSN’s Eric Macramalla stated on his X account. “Nuts. Price will end his career with a different team like the Sharks (unless he signs a one day deal to return to Habs).“

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NHL News: Stanley Cup champ rules out return to Patrik Laine’s Canadiens despite second-guessing retirement

Regardless of what course Price’s final chapter in the NHL takes, most expect the 37-year-old goaltender to retire as a Canadien. A one-day contract stint might be the safest bet, as the Habs won’t miss out on the chance to move on from a financial anchor.

Salary cap floor

As things stand, there are currently no teams below the NHL’s salary cap floor, but that could change as team executives return to their offices. The dog days of summer might be falling behind, and the league is expected to pick up the pace.

Ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, the cap floor has been set at $70.6 million, per PuckPedia. Therefore, no team is allowed to spend less than that amount on players’ salaries.