No, they will not sit on $9.7M in cap space that's for sure. Definitely moves to come.

I'd swap Monahan and Dach, and then Barron and Savard....and prolly the line up. Not opposed to having Dach at Centre, but he did great with CC and Suzuki last year. Plus I think the Habs are still a proper 1C or 2C away from properly completing, even with Dach.

I think they'll surprise people in 2023-24 and be better than expected. Likely mid range and no playoffs, but lets see some growth this year, and then make some big moves for next year and start pushing hard from 2024 onward.

Hughes was clear during his end of season presser: Dach will play center next year. At least until he screws it up.

You mean taking on a cap dump or two?

Prett much what i expect. Might add a cap dump. Seems excessive amount of cap space

I can see him taking on a cap dump. And then having Barron & Xhekaj split time in Laval.

This is pretty much the line up for next season regardless. Drafting 8th to 12th after next season.

But, PLD is still an outside option.

I really can't see Barron or Xhekaj in Laval unless they completely regress.

Waiver exempt guys that can be juggled to make room for another player if Hughes adds a cap dump.

Yes, I also remember reading that MTL only has one retained salary transaction left after Dadanov and helping facilitate the Nick Bonino trade. They are saving that to keep flexibility for deals on draft day, but I think that resets on free agent day so they might be able to find deals for Hoffman or Edmundson at 50% retained.

Edit: MTL is also reportedly being very active in trade talks - we know Hughes has already said they'd like to make another Dach move, they are prepared to buy young assets that fit... MTL has lots of depth in the system and cap space, they will do something.

@jonh514 we got Newhook

Just saw that. Exciting. Don't know a ton about his game, but I like the draft pedigree!