Lowered expectations at TDL but increased cap space

Team: 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 8, 2024

Published: Jan. 8, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

If Montreal cannot get exactly what they want in straight player trades for the suspected trade bait (Monahan, Allen and Savard) then maybe they trade them at a lower return in recognition of the fact that the cap space they gain by trading these guys can be used to facilitate other trades.
Monahan is having a good season and could get a late 1st round pick plus a prospect, but maybe not. Could try to sign Monahan again in the off-season (at the right price) if the Habs want his veteran presence back for next year.
Savard might get a late first round pick.
Allen's play has dropped off since the start of the year. I think that clearing out his salary should be the main goal. Whatever draft pick they get for him (2nd rounder at best) may not even make the NHL, but having an extra $3.8M to either spend in the off season or to take on a cap dump from another team for a better pick or prospect has decent value.
Plus I think it is time to see what Primeau can do as a regular backup goalie.
I am approaching this from the perspective of creating over $9M in cap space for Montreal as the ultimate goal. This would mean they could take on a bad expiring contract for a high value asset (either at the trade deadline or in the off season).

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