Damn you retained 50% of Price’s contract? Having almost 5 mill on the books for 4 more years with no player to actually show for it would kill Mtl within a couple years. I’d say add Kassian to the deal and only retain about 25-28% = 2.5 - 3 mill retained bringing his cap hit to around 7.5.

I don't see the Oilers letting Kassian go. He is the sandpaper kind of guy teams, especially skilled ones, need in the playoffs. But I agree on Price. 50% is too much to retain.

Yeah you’re right they probably wouldn’t want to let him go, but you’d like to have a guy like that at league min like Corey Perry or Maroon. Maybe Keith would waive his NMC idk.

Reason I put Price at 50% is that he's not going to play enough games in the regular season to make a difference over the next 5.5 years to make a difference in making the playoffs. But he can help in the playoffs with enough reg season rest. And with both Connor and Leon coming up during that time, they need all the cap space they can get. Kassians contract isn't long enough to cover the Price hit. and IMO Broberg could be ready as early as next year for MTL. Maybe remove the pick from MTL and add one from EDM to help with the future. But any Habs fan expecting a big return for Price is not thinking clearly. He still has the ability to be great, but not on a full time basis. And that cap hit is just way too much.

I think you might be overstating his injury concerns. Sure he’s had his share of injuries in the past, but last year he played over half of Mtl games, 58 games of 72 the year before and 66 of 82 the year before that. He hasn’t missed a considerable amount of games since 2015-16. Also as you know he has been dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse which would explain his inconsistency in the regular season, yet can flip the switch on any time he wants as showcased by the other years play in and last years playoffs. That totally points to a mental issue which we now know for sure was the case. If he comes back this season and is himself in the regular season, and then dominates at the Olympics which we all know he will, then you’re looking at an entirely different situation with his value. He’s healthy, his mind is healthy, I have no doubt in my mind he returns to form. And on a contender he will be motivated and the Oilers have Holland as GM, he gave up assets for Keith. Not saying Habs get a huge return, hell I think we’ll be lucky to get more than 1 prospect. I’m just saying retaining that % of cap hit seems far fetched. I think getting him down to 7.5 is digestible for teams who may be interested in him.

I really don’t have a horse in the race though. I’d be completely fine with Price staying a Hab for the duration of his contract until the rebuild is over. I’d love to see him retire a Hab. I just feel bad for him, because I know on the right team he could win a cup.