The Montreal Canadiens may not be a major player in the free agency market this season. Some pending unrestricted free agents would be a good fit, but it's more likely that the Canadiens head into next season with the players on their roster plus a possible addition to the forward group through trade. Follow along with us at A Winning Habit as we cross off some Habs targets as they sign elsewhere, plus any signings that Kent Hughes makes throughout the offseason.
July 1st: Alex Barre-Boulet - 1 Year, one-way, $775,000
The Montreal Canadiens made their first signing of the July 1st Free Agent Frenzy when they inked the former QMJHL star. Barre-Boulet has been a valuable depth player for the Tampa Bay Lightning while splitting time between the NHL and AHL, but is hoping to carve out a bigger role with the Canadiens. If not, the Laval Rocket will have their future leading scorer and a player that could elevate them to the playoffs.
July 1st: Juraj Slafkovsky - Eight-Year Extension, $60.8 million
The Montreal Canadiens took the first opportunity to lock up Juraj Slafkovsky long-term with an eight-year contract extension on July 1st. The deal is an eight-year extension worth $60.8 million, a $7.6 million average annual value. Slafkovsky's career-high in points was 50 in 82 games last season, but he is still just 20. The contract could give value as the NHL expects the salary cap to rise in the coming years. Slafkovsky fit on the first line with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki last season, and if the trio continues to gain chemistry and develop together, they'll be a force for many years.