The summer of 2025 promises to be pivotal for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the NHL salary cap could rise by around $6 million, reaching $95-97 million.

«Unless something really goes off the rails, I think we’re going to see a $95 to $97 (million) cap this year, as long as the CBA gets done as part of it.”

-Elliotte Friedman

This increase would provide teams, particularly the Canadiens, with flexibility to adjust their roster.

With 14 players already under contract for a total of $67.26 million, Kent Hughes will have significant financial leeway even after accounting for free agents to re-sign.

Among the players already confirmed are Patrik Laine ($8.7M), Nick Suzuki ($7.875M), and Cole Caufield ($7.85M), as well as promising prospects like Lane Hutson ($950,000).

Restricted free agents, such as Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Emil Heineman, and unrestricted free agents like Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak, will need to be evaluated.

However, none are expected to destabilize the current salary structure.

Carey Price, while still under contract, won’t weigh on the cap thanks to possible salary management.

With nearly $30 million to complete the roster, Kent Hughes will have the ability to sign key players while exploring the free-agent market for strategic acquisitions.

Fans expect the team to capitalize on this opportunity to improve its competitiveness.

A major move for Kent Hughes on the free-agent market next summer?

Even if the cap only reaches «just» $93 million, the flexibility remains significant. Skillful management could turn this cap space into a balanced and competitive lineup ready to contend among the NHL’s best teams.

With names like Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, Brock Boeser, Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, John Tavares, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Matt Duchene potentially becoming available, and with $30 million to spend, Kent Hughes could aim for a major acquisition for the Montreal Canadiens.