NHL Escrow News To Make Canadiens Tweak Offseason Plans

The NHL’s cancellation of escrow for the remainder of the season, coupled with record profits projected to hit $6-7 billion, could force the Montreal Canadiens to rethink their offseason strategy.

With the Canadiens defying NHL betting odds and firmly rising into the Eastern Conference playoff race, this development adds both opportunities and challenges as they prepare for an offseason pivotal to their rebuild.

With nearly $13M coming off the books over the next few months, the Canadiens had planned to use this offseason as the crossroads moment for the organization, changing gears from rebuilding to actively adding prime pieces to their roster via free agency and on the trade market.

The issue now is, the entire NHL may benefit from a near $10M boost in salary cap space, as league revenues continue to soar. The expectation among sources is that the NHL and NHLPA will agree to artificially increase the salary cap from $88M closer to $97M, instead of the previously projected $93M first discussed in September.

With the entire league getting a nice boost of cap space, the Canadiens’ fiscal advantage looks like it won’t be as much of a factor, and, in fact, may force them to tweak their offseason plans.

The Montreal Canadiens: A Crucial Offseason Ahead

One of the most pressing needs for the Montreal Canadiens is shoring up their defense, particularly on the right side.

Montreal’s current defensive core features a wealth of young talent, including promising prospects Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher. However, neither is expected to immediately shoulder the responsibilities of being a top-4, right-shot defenceman. Reinbacher, just 20 years old, has shown flashes in his short time with the Laval Rocket, but needs time to get back in game shape after a devastating knee injury. Similarly, Mailloux has displayed offensive upside, but remains a work in progress defensively.

Adding an age-appropriate, right-shot blueliner would not only ease the transition for these young players, but it would also help the Canadiens to seriously compete for a playoff spot next season.

General Manager Kent Hughes has emphasized the importance of balancing long-term development with short-term competitiveness, and bringing in an impact defenceman aligns perfectly with that philosophy. One need only look at how impactful the addition of Alex Carrier has been to the Canadiens’ defensive brigade to understand just how important an upgrade would be on the right side of the Canadiens’ blue line.

One may have thought that free agency could have been a good avenue for such an addition, but it now looks like it will have to come exclusively by trade. The rise in cap will naturally increase player salaries, which are expected to rise to a level that simply won’t fit in the Canadiens’ fiscal structure when it comes to the middle-of-the-lineup defenders likely to be available on the market.

The Canadiens have also expressed interest in bolstering their top-nine forward group. With injuries having plagued Montreal’s lineup over the past two seasons, depth additions are not just a luxury—they are a necessity. Adding scoring punch and versatility to their forward group would address one of the Canadiens’ glaring weaknesses and allow them to better navigate the grind of an 82-game schedule. This will be aided upon the arrival of top prospect, Ivan Demidov, next season, but more quality depth, especially at centre, will be needed.

Thankfully, the Canadiens not only own two first-round picks, but have a wealth of prospects that can be packaged in order to make compelling offers on the trade market this summer.

The Montreal Canadiens & Lane Hutson

But then, there’s also the list of pending free agents like Jake Evans, Joel Armia, David Savard and, albeit a restricted free agent, Lane Hutson. Among the group, Hutson’s situation is an even bigger predicament.

Jake Evans cooling off offensively may make him easier to re-sign, even given the increase in salary cap, given his desire to stay in Montreal. Something in the $3-$3.5M range over a two-to-four-year deal seems to b a fair deal for all sides.

But when it comes to Hutson, the sky is the limit. The Canadiens can only sign Hutson as soon as July 1 this year, and the dollar amount continues to rise with every additional point Hutson continues to add to his totals.

Montreal Hockey Now previously spoke about the need to sign Lane Hutson as soon as possible, and that urgency has now gone from “cautionary” to a full-on “red alert.”

With three goals and 35 assists already on the year, Hutson’s 38 points in have him tied for 6th in scoring for defencemen across the NHL with Norris-winner, Victor Hedman. Given that Hutson is a rookie, early negotiations prior to the end of his three-year entry-level contract will likely have to factor potential future growth.

With a rapidly rising salary cap, locking down Hutson as soon as possible is not only a priority, it’s now a necessity to ensure the long-term viability of the Montreal Canadiens being a long-term contender for years to come.

Around the NHL: Rantanen, Penguins, and More

The league-wide financial boom is likely to have ripple effects, impacting how teams approach roster construction this summer. One player whose situation bears watching is Mikko Rantanen. Coming off another stellar season with the Colorado Avalanche, Rantanen is reportedly seeking $14 million annually in his next contract.

If the NHL and NHLPA agree to artificially raise the cap to $96-97 million, as some reports suggest, Rantanen could very well command that figure on the open market. Such a deal would further tighten Colorado’s already-strained salary structure and leave them with difficult decisions regarding their roster.

Meanwhile, if the Boston Bruins continue to slip out of the playoffs, they’ll be expected to undergo a quick re-tool; looking to shed salary to strike this summer and push for a return to the playoffs in 2026. Pittsburgh and Boston’s proactive strategy could position them to pounce on free agents or acquire valuable assets from cap-strapped teams.

These developments underscore the fluidity of the NHL’s economic landscape, where financial windfalls can simultaneously alleviate and exacerbate team-specific challenges.

Trades, Not Signings: Montreal’s Adjusted Strategy

For the Canadiens, the anticipated $8-10 million cap boost presents a mixed bag. On one hand, it increases their spending power; on the other, it creates a more competitive market where teams have greater flexibility to retain their players or outbid rivals. As a result, Montreal may need to pivot from their original plans and focus more on the trade market than free agency.

Trades could offer the Canadiens a path to address their needs without getting entangled in inflated bidding wars. The team has several assets, including draft picks and young players, that could entice rebuilding or cap-strapped teams. However, acquiring impactful players via trade is never straightforward. With nearly every team in the league benefiting from the cap boost, the pool of available players may shrink, driving up the cost of acquisitions.

Moreover, the Canadiens must remain mindful of their long-term cap situation. While they currently have financial flexibility, future extensions for key players like Lane Hutson and others will require careful planning. Hughes and his management team will need to strike a delicate balance, making moves that improve the team’s immediate competitiveness without compromising their future.

Ultimately, the cancellation of escrow and the league’s financial growth represent both opportunities and obstacles for Montreal. While the Canadiens may no longer be positioned to make a marquee signing, they remain well-equipped to navigate the offseason’s complexities and emerge with a roster capable of taking the next step in their rebuild. By targeting the trade market and prioritizing strategic acquisitions, the Canadiens can continue building toward sustained success in a rapidly evolving NHL landscape.