Isles would rather keep Pageau.

Why would the Habs do that?

-Isles pass on this. Almost identical term left on both guys (3x$5M vs. 3x$4.95M), Garland scores at a slightly better pace but Pageau is a center instead of a winger, and better defensively. Neither guy feels like a "change of scenery" type so feels like a move for the sake of making a move.

-Zero idea by the Habs do this. They've already got Mike Matheson & David Savard as veteran RHD that they're probably going to try to move - why add another one to the pile? Especially when you've also got Justin Barron & David Reinbacher possibly ready for big minutes this season. I also think that there's some respect for Carey Price here, and letting him retire as a career-long Hab is something I could see being important to both the player and the franchise.

-Ottawa only has $5M in cap space and still needs to extend Shane Pinto. Can't see them taking Beau for free, much less giving up a pair of picks for him.

Aquilini isn't paying Price three years of LTIR money

Ottawa will give you a 4th for Beauvillier with 50% retention, given that he would only be a rental.

The insurance company is tho 😉

They wouldn't.



Molson isn't paying it now, the insurance provider is.

His contract is a pain in the offseason, granted, but it's all good in the regular season. We won't spend to the cap in 2024-25 anyway so things get easier after this season.

There is very little benefit and tons of risk.