The Montreal Canadiens have announced a new contract for one of their pending restricted free agents, signing Lukas Vejdemo to a one-year two-way deal. The contract carries a $700K salary at the NHL level, while Vejdemo will earn just $105K in the AHL.
Now 24, Vejdemo made his NHL debut this season, suiting up for seven games and scoring his first goal. That opportunity came after a relatively solid AHL rookie season in 2018-19 after he finally decided to leave the SHL. A third-round pick in 2015, Vejdemo will actually already qualify for Group VI unrestricted free agency next offseason should he fail to play in 73 games this year with Montreal.
Still, he represents a depth option for the club as they continue what could be a very busy offseason. The Canadiens have already made a trade to acquire Jake Allen from the St. Louis Blues and have a huge collection of draft picks for more upgrades if necessary. Montreal has 12 picks in the 2020 draft and 11 picks in 2021, meaning they could easily package together some futures for more immediate roster help.
In the meantime there are many other restricted free agents for the Canadiens to sign. Max Domi and Victor Mete lead the way, but there are 12 players on expiring deals, eight of which can elect arbitration.