Two Targets Emerge as Canadiens Gain Cap Space to Strengthen 2nd-Line Center
By giving themselves nearly $5 million in salary cap flexibility, the Canadiens are now ready to move to the next step: acquiring a center for their 2nd line.
The result? According to PuckPedia, the Canadiens now have $4,568,333 of space under the $95.5M cap, without relying on the long-term injured reserve. That's huge! No more LTIR constraints-Kent Hughes now has real room to make moves.
Here are the two centers the Canadiens can afford with this space
With this cap room, the Canadiens can target a top-6 center to strengthen their offense. Two names circulating in rumors that fit the budget:
Jared McCann and
Pavel Zacha.
McCann, with a $5M cap hit (through 2026-27), is an offensive machine.
He can play center, has scored more than 60 points three seasons in a row with the Seattle Kraken, and his salary is perfect for the Canadiens.
Zacha, at $4.75M (Boston), is another interesting fit. This 6-foot-3 forward has produced between 47 and 59 points in recent seasons and could be a reliable 2nd-line center.
If the Canadiens decide not to make a move immediately, this trade gives them the flexibility to absorb performance bonuses (like those of Hutson or Demidov) or aim for a major acquisition at the trade deadline. Hughes freed this space without sacrificing major assets-just a 5th-round pick!
With McCann or Zacha as potential targets, the Canadiens can dream of a stronger offense. Which one would you target?
| POLL |
SEPTEMBRE 6 | 1181 ANSWERS Two Targets Emerge as Canadiens Gain Cap Space to Strengthen 2nd-Line Center Which of these two centers would you like to see the Canadiens acquire? |
| Jared McCann | 859 | 72.7 % |
| Pavel Zacha | 322 | 27.3 % |
| List of polls |