A Possible Summer Move?

Who doesn't like a good old Friday night trade? A few years ago, Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin decided to pull the trigger on the Alex Galcheyuk for Max Domi Trade. What happened last night was a much bigger deal though. Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland sent pending free agent Mikko Rantanen packing in a complex three-way deal.

On top of acquiring Rantanen, the Carolina Hurricanes also landed Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks. Meanwhile, the Avs welcomed Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a second round pick at the next draft and a fourth-rounder in 2026 which they promptly turned into Nils Juntorp. As for the Hawks, they got to get rid of Hall's salary, picked up 50% of Rantanen's, a third-round pick at the next draft, which was theirs in the first place and a fourth rounder at the 2026 draft. Let's just say the Lord is not the only one who works in mysterious ways.

Less than a week ago, Sportsnets' Eric Engels said he believes Kent Hughes should go all in for Rantanen if he hits the open market and he might still do. The Avs traded Rantanen because they didn't want to pay anyone on the team more than Nathan MacKinnon who has a $12.6 M cap hit.

Reportedly, the talented Finn is after a $14 M cap hit kind of deal and there's no extension signed with the Hurricanes. Will they manage to meet his demands? Will Sebastian Aho manage to lobby for him to stay? Can Raleigh just be that great that he agrees to a discount? Maybe, but what if he doesn't?

If Rantanen hits the market looking for that kind of money, should the Canadiens throw that kind of cash at him? That's a very interesting question...and one "capologist" John Sedgwick will have to dive deep into team's finances and future to answer.

Technically, after this season, the Canadiens have got $14,730,000 coming off their books with Joel Armia, Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak, Michael Pezzetta, David Savard and Jayden Struble's contracts all expiring. Even with the cap set to go up to some $92 M from $88 M, you can't just throw all of it to Rantanen, you need a full roster.

The following season, Carey Price's contract will be coming off the books, but it will be decision time for guys like Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, Arber Xhekaj and Mike Matheson. The thought of having Rantanen on roster is enticing for any GM, but signing a free agent is much more than a full on charm offensive, it's quite a mathematical tour de force...

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