Ranking the Canadiens’ 4 Recent Signings

There is some risk involved, but that is exactly why the Canadiens were able to get the deal at this number. Waiting another year could have resulted in Newhook commanding significantly more.

Zachary Bolduc — 4 Years, $4.2 Million AAV

Grade: B+

Bolduc’s contract follows a similar philosophy. He has not completely established what type of player he will become in Montreal, but a four-year commitment at $4.2 million gives both sides some security. Bolduc was not given huge offensive minutes last season, so there is still room for his role and production to grow. Montreal is essentially betting that development happens during the contract rather than paying for it afterward.

The Canadiens also bought themselves several years of cost certainty. Even if Bolduc simply develops into a dependable middle-six forward, the contract should remain manageable as the cap continues to increase. If his offensive game takes another step, it becomes considerably better.

Arber Xhekaj — 1 Year, $1.5 Million

Grade: B+

Xhekaj’s situation is different. Instead of committing long term, Montreal keeps things simple with a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Xhekaj still has plenty to prove. Competition on Montreal’s blue line is increasing, and he will have to earn his minutes. However, he brings an element of physicality that few other Canadiens defensemen can match.

At $1.5 million, there is very little risk involved. Montreal gets another season to evaluate where Xhekaj fits while Xhekaj gets an opportunity to prove he deserves a larger commitment.

Hughes Continues to Get Ahead of the Market

The bigger story is not necessarily one individual contract. It is how Montreal continues to structure its roster. NHL salaries are climbing rapidly as the cap increases, and teams are increasingly paying enormous amounts to retain their best talent. In that environment, signing players before their value potentially jumps can be incredibly important.

Newhook and Bolduc could become bargains if they continue developing. Xhekaj carries virtually no financial risk, while Kreider gives Montreal an experienced veteran on a cheap one-year commitment.

Not every contract Hughes signs will become a steal, and some of these bets could look different a year or two from now. But Montreal has avoided putting itself in a position where one bad contract could seriously limit its flexibility. That is smart management.

The Canadiens want to contend, but they also want to keep their window open for years. With the cap rising and player salaries following it upward, securing useful players at reasonable prices before the market gets even more expensive could become one of Montreal’s biggest advantages.