Canadiens Rumors: Contract Extension Predictions For 2 Key Players

Monday, June 03, 2024

The Montreal Canadiens are approaching significant decisions this offseason regarding contract extensions for two of their young talents, Kaiden Guhle and Juraj Slafkovsky, both pivotal to the team's rebuild and future aspirations, as noted by Sportsnet's Eric Engels and TVA Sports' Kevin Dube.

Kaiden Guhle, a standout defenseman, could be looking at a contract extension similar to the six-year, $27.6 million deal Alex Vlasic secured with the Chicago Blackhawks.

This comparison reflects Guhle’s value to the Canadiens' defensive lineup, suggesting the team might offer him a comparable or slightly better deal to ensure his long-term presence.

Securing Guhle this summer could be beneficial for both parties, locking in a core player before his market value potentially increases with another strong season.

Juraj Slafkovsky’s contract scenario is more complex, reflecting his high ceiling and the Canadiens' expectations for his development into a key offensive figure.

The Canadiens could opt for a long-term deal similar to those given to Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, signaling a strong commitment to Slafkovsky as a foundational player.

Such a contract would likely mirror those of recent high-caliber players like Jack Hughes and Tim Stützle, potentially stretching up to eight years with an annual value around $8 million.

Alternatively, Montreal might consider a shorter bridge deal, which would allow them to evaluate Slafkovsky’s progression further. This bridge approach, aligning with strategies used for players like Elias Pettersson and Mat Barzal, could offer flexibility, setting his salary in the range of $5 to $7 million annually for two to three years.

While both players could potentially increase their market value with another strong season, the security and stability of long-term contracts might persuade them to commit sooner rather than later.

Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports



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