Despite not having played since the 2021-22 campaign and being unofficially retired, Carey Price’s contract could become a trade chip for the Montreal Canadiens in a few weeks. In a new report from RG Media, the Canadiens are already gauging interest in Price’s $10.5MM cap hit, especially for teams looking to create a significant gap between themselves and the salary cap floor, with any hypothetical deal taking place after September 1st.
The significance of the September 1st date lies in the structure of Price’s contract. Despite carrying a $10.5MM cap hit, Price is only receiving $7.5MM in actual salary for the final year of his contract, with $5.5MM of that being paid out via signing bonus on September 1st. Furthermore, with only $2MM remaining, $1.2MM of that will be paid by insurance, leaving the acquiring team on the hook for $800K assuming Montreal pays the first signing bonus.
However, the number of trade partners is thin, as only the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, and San Jose Sharks would be the only teams to truly benefit from acquiring Price’s contract, although it’s even difficult to make an argument for the Ducks, given that they’re trying to compete this upcoming season. Hypothetically, either the Blackhawks or Sharks could take on the $10.5 million salary cap hit. This move would provide them with greater flexibility to trade higher-priced veterans next season at the trade deadline, such as Alexander Wennberg, Nick Foligno, or Jason Dickinson, without risking falling below the salary cap floor.
Other morning notes:
- Earlier this morning, Patrick Williams of FloHockey reported that Josh Leivo’s contract with the KHL’s Salavat Yulaev Ufa had been terminated. A few moments later, Williams shared that the KHL is not allowing the termination of the agreement, but Leivo is dealing with significant visa issues. Given the global political climate, it’s nearly impossible to enter Russia from a Western country without a visa, which has caused Leivo to miss a decent chunk of training camp. Leivo was one of the best players in the KHL last season, scoring 49 goals and 80 points in 62 games with a +26 rating.
- Last season, an end-of-the-year feud between New York Islander Anthony Duclair and head coach Patrick Roy caused the former to step away from the team. Still, Duclair is coming into the 2025-26 season more motivated than ever. In a new article from Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News, Rosner quoted Duclair saying, “The Islanders right now are my team. I love them. I love playing for them. I love the fans. We got a great hockey rink. It’s been a joy, and I’m looking forward to a great season. And I’m looking forward to bouncing back and hopefully getting into the playoffs.“