Habs Daily: Slafkovsky Extension, Free Agency, Laval Rocket

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Monday.

Montreal Canadiens News

• They had ample salary cap space, but heading into free agency it was clear the Habs would focus on signing two cornerstone players: Kaiden Guhle and Juraj Slafkovsky. [Montreal Canadiens UFA Primer— Salary Cap and Trade Targets]
• The Montreal Canadiens wasted no time signing Slafkovsky, who was eligible for an eight-year contract extension the moment free agency opened. Slafkovsky’s new contract will carry a $7.6 million annual average value (AAV), which means the team is banking on the youngest player in the lineup enjoying a steady, continued development path.[Instant Analysis: Canadiens Bank On Growth In Slafkovsky Deal]
• The only free agent signed by the Habs was 27-year-old forward Alex Barré-Boulet, a player that was also coveted by the last management group. He’ll have an opportunity to earn a job at camp, but there’s a decent chance he’ll spend part of the season with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.  [Canadiens AHL Affiliate Adds Multiple Important Reinforcements]
• General manager Kent Hughes met with the media to discuss a bevy of topics, including why he wanted a long-term deal with Slafkovsky, why he wanted to avoid long-term deals with free agents, Ivan Demidvo’s future, and more. [Canadiens GM Hughes Discusses Slafkovsky, UFAs, & Demidov]
• Development camp gets underway on Tuesday, with 30 players are expected to attend the festivities in Brossard, including J20 standout Alexander Zetterberg. 2024 first-round pick Michael Hage will be there, but fifth overall pick Ivan Demidov will not attend, as he has not yet secured a travel visa. [List Of Players Attending Montreal Canadiens Development Camp]

National Hockey Now Network

• The Colorado Avalanche have found a way to keep the Halifax boys together for at least one more season. According to multiple NHL Insiders, the Avalanche and former Hab Jonathan Drouin have agreed on a one-year contract that will keep the 29 year old winger in Colorado for another season. [Colorado Avalanche]
• Two years ago the New Jersey Devils made defenceman Brendan Smith their first free agent signing of the summer. On Monday, the Dallas Stars do something similar, signing Smith to a one-year, $1 million contract. [New Jersey Devils]
• The Nashville Predators made a big splash on Monday, signing free marquee free agents, including Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. [Nashville Predators]