Canadiens Not Expected To Make Buyouts This Summer

The Montreal Canadiens missed the playoffs by a fair amount of points this season, but this team wasn't constructed to make the postseason just yet. That time is coming, but no big internal moves are expected, such as buying anybody out according to general manager Kent Hughes.

There are actually three buyout candidates that I could've seen happening if the Canadiens were going to consider it. The players include Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, and Josh Anderson.

Armia and Dvorak are overpaid for the role they now have on the Canadiens, but their contracts end next summer, so Montreal only has them on the books for one more year. Since the Canadiens are expected to take a step forward, but not make playoffs just yet, they don't have to urgently clear cap space and have money on the books for an extra year.

In the case of Anderson, he's making $5.5 million AAV through 2027, so his contract is on the books a bit longer. Once again, if the Canadiens hold off a year or two before potentially buying out his final year or two, it would be at a better time and less money would be owed after he's off of the team. Anderson hasn't lived up to his contract as he's scored just nine goals and 20 points in 78 games this season. I doubt he will finish his contract in Montreal, but his departure shouldn't come just yet.