As the NHL season draws near, with its training camps opening in less than two weeks, the two key storylines that are currently doing the rounds in the hockey industry. First, the Montreal Canadiens’ possible plan to trade the Carey Price deal and the stalled contract negotiations of Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish. According to reports, the lack of a deal for McTavish has made the 22-year-old center the subject of trade conjecture throughout the off-season. On the other hand, the Canadiens are eyeing careful cap maneuvers. Let’s take a look at the rumors in detail below.
Anaheim Ducks struggle with Mason McTavish’s new deal
The Anaheim Ducks are struggling currently to reach an agreement on a new contract for young forward Mason McTavish. Speculations are doing the rounds that the talks between the team and the 22-year-old have slowed down, mainly because both sides can’t agree on the salary of player.As per reports, McTavish, who was drafted as the third overall in 2021, is considered one of Anaheim’s most important players. His unsigned status has already drawn interest from the Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Vancouver Canucks, though Ducks management has said they need the young center as much as the others.With training camp around the corner, the Ducks are under pressure to sort out the salary deal. McTavish’s future is seen as a promising player for Anaheim’s upcoming days, and keeping him on the roster is a top priority for the team.
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The Canadiens are trying to find a way to trade Carey Price’s contract
Meanwhile, The Montreal Canadiens are exploring the possibility of moving Carey Price’s contract as they look for more salary-cap flexibility. Price, a former star goaltender, has not played in recent years due to injury but still carries a $10.5 million cap hit in the final year of his deal. In reality, most of his salary has already been paid, and insurance is expected to cover most of what’s left. This contract is appealing to rebuilding teams that are trying to meet the NHL’s minimum spending requirement.
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However, General Manager of Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, has mentioned that he’s open to trading the contract if a suitable offer comes his way. However, he’s also perfectly fine with keeping Price on long-term injured reserve if no good opportunities arise.Also read: If Kirill Kaprizov signs a $128 million extension, here’s how it changes the Minnesota WildFor Montreal, this contract move would free up cap space and give the team more flexibility to add younger talent in the days to come.