Keeping some cap space available is the best way to make major acquisitions at minimal costs, such as Sean Monahan or Patrik Laine.
With the salary structure set by Kent Hughes, he positions himself to never be constrained by the salary cap, which gives him a significant advantage.
Now, with the NHL salary cap increasing by $4.5 million this year, teams will have more flexibility but will also face important decisions.
Big names might end up on waivers, as noted by Marco D'Amico.
With the additional $4.5 million, GMs like Kent Hughes will be able to more easily target players on waivers to improve their teams.
This is where it gets interesting. The source believes there will be some very intriguing names on waivers, and the teams that stand to benefit the most are those in rebuilding phases, like the Canadiens.
Kent Hughes will have the opportunity to pick from the available players on waivers. With Carey Price's $10.5 million going on LTIR and being fifth in the waiver priority, the Canadiens' roster could change quite rapidly, and Martin St-Louis could have some excellent additional options.
Source: rg.orgSource: Rare Roster Flexibility �Likely To Mean More Trades And Waiver Pickups' In The NHL Preseason
POLL | ||
15 SEPTEMBRE | 230 ANSWERS It's confirmed for Kent Hughes, and he will have several options for Martin St-Louis In your opinion, will Kent Hughes be able to acquire a good veteran or a promising young player from waivers at the start of the season? | ||
Yes | 157 | 68.3 % |
No | 73 | 31.7 % |
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