Habs Daily: Canadiens Projected Salary Cap, Defence Trade Options

All the latest Montreal Canadiens news, highlights, and stories from Wednesday.

Habs News

• The NHL has announced the salary cap is expected to be $87.7 million next season, which represents a year-to-year increase of $4.2 million. It puts the Habs in a very interesting situation. Several contracts will come off the books, and they don’t need to sign any marquee players to big contracts. All things considered, the Habs will have plenty of options due to their salary cap maneuverability next season. [Montreal Canadiens Projected Salary Cap Outlook For 2024-25]
• Young Montreal Canadiens defenders are knocking on the door to make the jump full-time to the NHL, opening up potential trade possibilities down the line. It hasn’t been an easy time for the Canadiens’ blueline over the last few years with all the injuries, but, with injury comes opportunity, both for the players and the team. [Defensive Depth Creating Trade Flexibility For Canadiens]
• NCAA expert Chris Peters continues to be one of Jacob Fowler’s biggest fans. Given how well Fowler has played on the big stage, it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

“This is a guy that’s played on the big stage, that’s played in big games & he has NOT flinched. I think there’s absolutely a case for a 1A / 1B goalie scenario & then you make a decision in the medal round.” – Chris Peters on Jacob Fowler at the upcoming WJC for Team USA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/VXiLQDWLxa

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 6, 2023

• Due to his tenure and respect from the medical community, Dr. Davild Mulder will go down as one of the most respected members in the history of the organization.

Putting a bow on Dr. Mulder's 60-year career with the Canadiens 👏

Read ↓ #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/tiXkI5LV8s

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 6, 2023

National Hockey Now Network

• The maddening, gray-hair-inducing inconsistency of the Pittsburgh Penguins has many answers and no answers all at once. There aren’t enough fingers to point out all of the blame. On one night, center Evgeni Malkin can electrify the crowd, but a defenseman might lose his bearings, and an opponent swoops past for a go-ahead goal. It’s consistent inconsistency.[Pittsburgh Penguins]
• The Detroit Red Wings gave Patrick Kane the day off on Wednesday. That won’t be the case on Thursday. Kane, the former Hart, Art Ross, Calder and Conn Smythe Trophy winner will be making his much-awaited Detroit debut as the Red Wings are playing host to the San Jose Sharks. [Detroit Red Wings]
• Should the Boston Bruins consider what it would cost to acquire Minnesota Wild winger Pat Maroon? On more than one occasion during their recent three-game skid, Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery openly pleaded for his team to be more physical and tougher to play against. [Boston Bruins]