In the last season, the Canadian paid part of the salary of Jake Allen and Jeff Petry.
Kent Hughes exchanged these two guys to make room for his payroll-but he was forced to hold money on the respective contract of the two guys to facilitate a transaction.
The good news? Allen and Petry no longer appear in the books of CH.
In fact … What is important to know here is what is coming.
In the last season, the Canadian had used two of his three wage retention spaces.
He could have used another by exchanging Joel Armia, David Savard or Christian Dvorak … But he did not do it since these guys stayed in town after the deadline for transactions.
Today, that makes CH have more freedom at this level.
What do I mean here?
If Kent Hughes wants to exchange Mike Matheson, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, Patrik Laine … He has room-and the option-in order to pay part of the salary of one of these players to facilitate a transaction.
But it could also help Kent Hughes to get his hands on another piece if he wants to get involved in a three -team transaction.
For example?
By retaining part of a player’s salary, the CEO of the Canadian can acquire a choice for the draft. And it is there, the interesting idea: if a club wants to move, that there are problems in terms of salary to help said transaction … Hughes can get involved to swallow it in order to receive a little candy.
Reminder: In 2023, CH found a way to get a fifth round choice and hope by retaining 25 % of Nick Bonino’s salary to facilitate a trnsaction between Sharks and Penguins.
It could happen this year in the context in which its three employee retention spaces has taken over. But at the same time, the teams have more money today compared to the latest seasons due to the increase in the salary ceiling …
We know him, Kent Hughes: By doing that, he can get his hands on active as interesting.
And we know that the CEO of the Canadian is not afraid to make movements like this … Even if today, a retention for a choice becomes moderately useful, especially since the Canadian is tight in the ceiling as long as Price is not gone.
Burst
– Bon.
A first arrival: a 21 -year -old central defender. https://t.co/hz8vouc7yi
— Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) July 20, 2025
– To follow.
A few goal milestones to watch during the 2025-26 NHL season 🏒 pic.twitter.com/YxwkEjUqSA
– Sportsnet (@sportsnet) July 20, 2025
– He’s going to be good.
Kent Johnson had a career season in 2024-25 with 24 goals, 33 assists, and 57 points. 🙌
Will he top those totals in 2025-26? #NHLYoungStarsWeek pic.twitter.com/Ji8xaFaqjp
– NHL (@nhl) July 20, 2025
