2026-27 Solid even without Nylander

Team: 2025-26 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 22, 2023

Published: Aug. 29, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

*Looking at Roster for 2026-27 Season. Players traded and contracts updated with potential resigned deals for 2026-27 season onward*

Willie just cares about the money and Toronto can't pay him what he wants without moving on of the other core guys. IF he walks and looks to get paid... even if he doesn't I still think there are young guys that could move up into the line up (not at Nylanders quality; but if they hit or get near their potential, some options to slot in with S&C on 1st line). I think with his IQ that Bedard said he was one of the smartest guys he played with - ROY fits in on 1st RW line without Nylander; Heineman 3rd line LW with his shot. RHP moves up and down with any injuries

That 2nd line would be hard to play against 3 big skilled guys

CAP likely is higher than $92M, but even with that have $3,925,000.
Would rather he surge back but likely Gallagher is on LTIR at that point, bringing CAP up to $10,425,000

Gives breathing room if price to sign any of these guys is higher and still be feasible.

Added influx either for added NHL upgrades, propect(s) or draft pick(s) is trading away Matheson. That is maybe an iffy move but if the young D core develops he should get moved out. If not, he could still get re-signed with available cap space.

UFA Signings:
Buchnevich and Saros could be bumped up some if needed to get them signed with cap space, especially if Gallagher goes to LTIR

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