Canadiens currently $10M over the cap, but a fix is coming
The Montreal Canadiens inked 21-year-old Kirby Dach to a 4-year extension on Wednesday, effectively putting them more than $10M over the salary cap. Obviously, with Carey Price and his $10.5M cap hit likely headed to Long-Term Injured Reserve, one hand should wash the other, but is it really that simple?
Earlier this summer, Habs GM Kent Hughes issued a statement indicating that it was unlikely that Price would play during the 2022-23 season, but that was far from a concrete guarantee. If the Habs are not 100% positive that Price won't be fit to play this season, they could face some potential issues.
According to a clause in the current CBA, the Habs will need a physician to sign off on the fact that Price can't play this season before they can place him on LTIR. Now, it stands to reason that the Habs will not have any issues in this department, given Price's recent injury history and his recent stint in the player assistance program - but as of this point, no such announcement has been made, so it also stands to reason that a doctor hasn't signed off on Price being completely unfit to play. Well, apparently that announcement is coming.
Per Arpon Basu, the Canadiens are expected to place Price on LTIR today to squeeze the club just under the cap. The Habs are likely poised for another low finish and another high pick, as they're hanging their season on the tandem of Jake Allen and Samuel Montembeault.
