Habs Daily: Maximizing Salary Cap Situation, Byron’s Future

All the latest Habs news, recent Montreal Canadiens stories, as well as information from around the National Hockey League.

Habs News

• After unloading Jeff Petry, the plan for the Montreal Canadiens is quite clear. General manager Kent Hughes is going to do everything he can to maximize their salary cap situation before the start of the season. [Canadiens Kent Hughes Outlines Gameplan To Start Season]
• Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes confirmed what we already knew in his media call following the latest Jeff Petry trade: Paul Byron’s playing career is over, but his time with the Habs doesn’t have to come to an end. [Finding A Role For Paul Byron Should Be Easy For The Canadiens]

National Hockey Now Network

• Seven San Jose Sharks prospects, most in the NHL, recently took part in the World Junior Summer Showcase. Which Sharks defenseman really stood out? Also, everybody agrees that Smith and Bystedt stood out. [San Jose Sharks]
• The Pittsburgh Penguins need to find some offensive pop in their bottom six or risk having a giant chasm between their top six and bottom six. The result could be nearly exclusive pressure on the top players to provide the vast majority of offensive contributions, pending finding loose change in the couch cushions for a free agent or a Penguins trade. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
• When it came time to choose the jersey number he’d wear for the Detroit Red Wings, it all added up for Jeff Petry. In this instance, he found the perfect timing for a like-father, like-son moment. [Detroit Red Wings]
• The 2019 NHL Draft has already paid off for the Colorado Avalanche (Thanks, Bowen Byram), but it appears they now have some competition if they want to sign their 3rd round pick from that year. [Colorado Avalanche]
• Philadelphia Flyers fans are connected to their team and players. There is a bond there. They’re your players wearing your favourite team’s sweater. Maybe that’s why it’s so unsettling to see your favourite players on another team after a trade or a free-agency acquisition. [Philadelphia Flyers]
• The Vegas Golden Knights had just two man-games lost due to injury during the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb missed game five of the opening round vs. the Winnipeg Jets. [Vegas Golden Knights]