Montreal Canadiens Free Agency priorities

Slafkovský extension, Barré-Boulet sole signing

The Montreal Canadiens’ tactics for the start of Free Agency went how many beat writers expected, that the team would not spend money just for the sake of spending.

The Habs entered Monday with over $10 million of cap space, yet could not pull the trigger on big-name signings such as Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, or proven offensive talent such as David Perron. All three of these names would be signed to a new team within the first two hours of the market opening.

The team did not end the day without a signing. The team showed where their priorities are by signing their 2022 first overall pick and rising star, Juraj Slafkovský to an eight-year contract extension worth $7.6 million annually.

The 20-year-old is poised to improve on the stellar sophomore season as a pro, tallying 50 points—20 goals and 30 assists—while playing on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes spoke on this approach in his afternoon press conference on Monday in Brossard. He emphasized developing the young core over all else.

“I’ve said all along, we won’t do something that will provide a short-term gain at the expense of our long-term plan,” Hughes said.

Hughes spoke about not being overzealous on the first day of the open market. He stated that he was “fine with waiting to see if something materializes over Free Agency later or via trade.”

The Canadiens did make one notable signing. Alex Barré-Boulet inked a one-year deal worth $775,000. Barré-Boulet, a 27-year-old winger who previously spent time with Tampa Bay and their AHL affiliate Syracuse Crunch was born and raised in Montagny, Que.

During his signing press conference, Barré-Boulet spoke on how his family played a factor in his signing with Montreal. He told the media in French that he has two young children who he often misses due to travelling, even just from the move of going between the AHL and NHL club with Tampa Bay. The distance between Syracuse and Tampa Bay was difficult. For a player who knows he will be utilized with the Laval Rocket or as depth on the back six forward lines, Barré-Boulet knew it was a sound decision.

Barré-Boulet scored six goals and three assists through 36 games with the Lightning last season. He additionally contributed four goals and 15 assists with Syracuse through the 23 games he played for the Crunch.