The two biggest contracts on the Montreal Canadiens roster might get a closer look, at least as far as deeming whether or not they are worth keeping go.
A total of over $17 million in salary, both Shea Weber and Carey Price are the subject of recent trade rumors out of Montreal that suggest the team’s losing streak has become a bit more than an issue.
Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette believes the Montreal Canadiens are viewing this new losing streak as potentially more than temporary. It could be an indication that the season is soon to be considered a wash and if so, it’s time the organization make sweeping changes. And, of course, as mentioned, Price and Weber would easily be the two biggest changes the franchise could make.
Cowan believes the Canadiens could soon start to dump big contracts in an attempt to rebuild. He writes:
With the possibility of the Canadiens missing the playoffs for a third straight season and the fourth time in five years, does GM Marc Bergevin try to make a big trade, giving up prospects, to give his team — and Julien — a better chance? Or will it soon be time to start thinking about shopping Price and captain Shea Weber for more young players and start a rebuild — a word Bergevin has refused to use — for the future?
source – ‘Stu Cowan: ‘It’s on us’ not the coaching, Canadiens say of meltdowns’ – Stu Cowan – Montreal Gazette – 11/27/2019
Could the Canadiens Really Move Either?
Chances are the Canadiens will be given time to try and work their out of this current slump but another question worth asking is whether or not the Canadiens could actually move either contract?
Someone out there would likely take either of these players but the return is the real question. If Montreal is interested in simply removing the contracts to add more cap space, that’s one thing. But, if the thinking is the Canadiens can get key pieces back in return, Bergevin needs to remember how much he’s actually paying both of these players and what they’ve offered of late.
Price is still a top-tier goaltender but at $10.5 million over the next seven seasons including this one, that’s a huge commitment. He’s also struggled of late. As for Weber, he’s another seven-year anchor at $7.85 million per season. He’s hardly useless (19 points in 24 games) but he’s also 34 and any team adding him would be taking on a d-man who will be over 40 when his contract expires.
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