Canadiens' Fearsome Blueprint
The Montreal Canadiens are building the smartest lineup in hockey, a strategy that every NHL team should fear. Following a surprise playoff run, they solidified their position by extending Lane Hutson's contract to eight years, worth $70.8 million.
This move cements the Canadiens as a financially savvy team, with Hutson being the sixth player to sign a long-term deal with a cap hit under $10 million, alongside notable players such as Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, and Nick Suzuki.
- Noah Dobson
- Kaiden Guhle
- Juraj Slafkovsky
- Cole Caufield
- Nick Suzuki
This blueprint provides the team with flexibility to sign potential core players like Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, Ivan Demidov, Zack Bolduc, and potentially Jakub Dobes in the coming seasons.
The rest of the NHL should take notice of the Canadiens' strategy, particularly cash-strapped teams relying on free agent and trade acquisitions.
Author's summary: Canadiens build a smart lineup.