Team: 2021-22 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Feb. 27, 2021

Published: Feb. 27, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

So, I've seen a lot of post stating that it would be impossible for Habs to get rid of Price's contract and that nobody would want him. Although he's struggling this year and hasn't been at his best for a year or two, he's still Carey Price and one of the top goalies in the league. I personally believe that a move out of Montreal will do him wonders. I think the years of being the only real star on the team and having to be perfect for the Habs to succeed has taking its toll on him. Montreal has never had difference makers up front that could take some of the pressure of Price. I still think he has value and can provide great goaltending for a different team.

This is how I think Montreal can get rid Price and still have decent goalies until Primeau is ready to make the jump full time.

Prior to the start of the 2021-22 season (and after Montreal pays Price his $11M signing bonus), Habs make this trade.

To Sharks (from MTL):
Price ($1M retained), 2021 2nd round pick (MTL), 2021 3rd round pick (WSH), Jesse Ylonen, Jayden Struble

To Habs (from SJ):
Martin Jones, Christian Jaros

Then, San Jose would flip Price to Seattle while retaining another $1M and get Braden Holtby and either a pick or young prospect Seattle may have drafted (or received as comp from another team).

That would make Carey an $8.5M cap hit for Seattle but give them a high profile player to start their franchise.

Now, obviously, this type of trade would need to be discussed by all three teams prior to expansion draft where San Jose could ask Seattle to pick a specific goalie from a team that the Kraken send to Sharks in exchange for Price. I mention Holtby as I think that's the player Seattle would take for Canucks and that I think San Jose would be happy with over Jones.

From a Seattle perspective, having $2M retained on Price (and the 2021 $11M signing bonus paid) leaves them with only four years of signing bonus to pay out as his base salary is covered by Habs/Sharks. Signing bonus payout looks like this for Seattle:

July 1, 2022 - $5.75M ($1M would be covered by retention since base salary is $1M for '22-'23 season)
July 1, 2023 - $6.5M
July 1, 2024 - $5.5M
July 1, 2025 - $5.5M

It may seem like a stretch but I think this scenario works for all three teams. For Habs, they'd have Allen and Jones for two years which keeps them competitive and allows Primeau to mature a little longer in AHL. Then, for Jones' last year of contract, becomes 1B/backup to Primeau. And, depending on Primeau's development, one of Jones or Allen can get traded earlier to make room him.

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