Who knows, perhaps Domi was just having an off season. It happens time and time again to the best players. Despite his deficit, he did go into the NHL pause with 17 goals 27 assists good for 44 points in 71 games. And like the culture of the team, there was never a moment where you could say Domi wasn’t putting effort into his play.
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That said, the future of the NHL complicates things. The salary cap was projected to take a jump next season, and it’s safe to say that won’t be happening. The NHL is going to be struggling to find a way to increase the salary cap, and if that’s the case, the Montreal Canadiens will walk into the offseason with approximately $7.5 million in space.
Victor Mete will need a deal, and that’s a conversation for another time, as will Jake Evans, to name a few who looks like he’s ready for full-time NHL play. There are still names available come free agency, and the Montreal Canadiens will want to be in a position to spend on game-changers, especially if they want to take a run at playoff contention next year and not have circumstances place them in.
Max Domi is getting a bridge deal; there’s no way around it. Forget about what’s coming in the next couple of months, Brendan Gallagher, Joel Armia, and Philip Danault will be up as well. These kinds of situations are why bridge deals are an option for teams in the NHL, and some organizations make the mistake of not making use of it.