The Canadiens have resumed their three salary withholding periods

Last season, the Canadiens paid part of the salary of Jake Allen and Jeff Petry.

Kent Hughes traded these two guys to make room on his payroll but he was forced to withhold money from both guys respective contracts to facilitate a trade.

The good news? Allen and Petry are off the Habs books.

Whats important to know here is whats coming next.

Last season, the Canadiens used two of their three salary cap space.

They could have used another by trading Joel Armia, David Savard or Christian Dvorak...

but they didnt, because those guys stayed in town past the trade deadline.

Today, the Habs have more freedom in this area.

Whats my point here? If Kent Hughes wants to trade Mike Matheson, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, Patrik Laine...

He has room and the option to pay part of the salary of one of these players to facilitate a transaction.

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 players 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 Boninos 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 isnt 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.

A first arrival: a 21-year-old central defenceman.

https://t.co/HZ8VOuC7yI Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) July 20, 2025 To be continued.

A few goal milestones to watch during the 2025-26 NHL season pic.twitter.com/YxwkEjUqSA Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 20, 2025 Hes going to be good.

Kent Johnson had a career season in 2024-25 with 24 goals, 33 assists, and 57 points.

Will he top those totals in 2025-26? #NHLYoungStarsWeek pic.twitter.com/Ji8xaFaqjp NHL (@NHL) July 20, 2025 This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission..

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