The Canadiens have resumed their three salary withholding periods

But it could also help Kent Hughes get his hands on another piece if he wants to get involved in a three-team deal.

How about this?

By withholding part of a player’s salary, the Canadiens GM could acquire a draft pick. And therein lies the interesting idea: if a club wants to make a move, and there are salary-related problems to help the said transaction… Hughes can get involved to gobble up a little bonus.

Reminder: In 2023, the Habs found a way to get a fifth-round pick and a prospect by withholding 25% of Nick Bonino’s salary to facilitate a trnsaction between the Sharks and Penguins.

It could happen again this year, as the team resumes its three salary withholding periods. But at the same time, teams have more money today than in recent seasons, thanks to the increase in the salary cap…

We know Kent Hughes: by doing this, he can get his hands on some interesting assets.

And we know that the Canadiens’ GM isn’t afraid of making moves like this… even if, today, holding out for a pick is only moderately useful, especially since the Canadiens are tight on cap space until Price is gone.

Overtime

– Good.

– To be continued.

– He’s going to be good.