The clock is ticking on Carey Price’s massive contract, and Montreal Canadiens fans might finally get the cap relief they’ve been waiting for. With a crucial $5.5 million bonus payment looming in September, the window for trading Price’s $84 million deal could swing wide open this fall.
Price hasn’t played since 2022, but his contract continues to cast a shadow over Montreal’s salary cap plans. The timing of that September bonus could change everything.
Why Will September’s Bonus Payment Change Everything for Carey Price’s Trade Value with Montreal?
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, once Montreal goaltender Carey Price receives his $5.5 million signing bonus in September, the chances of the Canadiens trading his contract will significantly increase. This insight, shared on the “Steve Dangle Podcast,” has sparked fresh conversation around Montreal’s cap situation and potential trade partners.
Chris Johnston: Re Carey Price contract: There’s a bonus to be paid in September; once that bonus is paid…I would imagine there’s a high percentage that will move – Steve Dangle Podcast (Jul 15)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 20, 2025
The logic is simple: until that bonus gets paid, no team wants to take on that financial burden. However, once September rolls around, Montreal could position itself to move the deal and create valuable flexibility heading into the 2025-26 season.
General Manager Kent Hughes has worked to clean up the Canadiens’ salary cap mess over recent years, but Price’s $10.5 million cap hit remains a massive roadblock. Unlike Brendan Gallagher, who still contributes on the ice, Price’s contract delivers zero on-ice value.
The numbers paint a clear picture of Montreal’s predicament. The team currently sits over the salary cap by more than $4 million. While placing Price on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) remains an option, that route prevents salary accumulation during the season. Trading the contract would deliver more flexibility and better long-term planning opportunities.
Which Teams Could Take On Price’s Contract After the Bonus?
Behind the scenes, the Canadiens are reportedly having quiet conversations with multiple teams interested in acquiring Price’s contract. These discussions aren’t about his goaltending ability, but rather cap floor management.
Teams like the San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, and Chicago Blackhawks have surfaced as potential landing spots.
These organizations have cap space and might be willing to absorb the deal once the bonus gets paid. The financial math becomes much more attractive at that point.
Even though Price will never play again, due to lingering health problems, his contract still carries cap significance for teams trying to reach the salary floor without spending real money. After the September bonus, only $2 million in actual salary remains, making the contract much easier for budget-conscious organizations to handle.
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The situation also highlights how complex NHL salary management has become in recent years. Montreal already has experience with similar contract moves. Shea Weber’s deal changed hands multiple times using comparable logic. Moving Price’s contract would follow that same playbook.
Montreal might need to sweeten the deal by attaching a low draft pick or minor asset. If gaining cap room means adding impact players or absorbing a bad contract for future assets, the cost could be worth paying.
The Canadiens are moving into a more competitive phase of their rebuild. With younger players developing and expectations rising, cap space has become more valuable than ever before.
