NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — Montreal Canadiens' six-year extension for Kaiden Guhle may not pay off (Picture credits: IMAGN)

3 reasons why Canadeins extending Kaiden Guhle with massive deal might not work out

Modified Jul 31, 2024 15:40 GMT

This week, Kaiden Guhle and the Montreal Canadiens inked a six-year extension worth a total of $33.3 million. The deal, which runs from 2025–26 through the 2030–31 season, was announced by Canadiens GM Kent Hughes on Wednesday, and carries an average annual value of $5.55 million.

The move follows a string of extensions for the Habs that saw the team extend Arber Xhekaj on Tuesday, building on the team's young core as the franchise looks ahead to the future.

Given the $5.5 million AAV on the contract and the fact that Guhle was one of the Habs' best shot-blocking skaters last season, there's been plenty of optimism surrounding the deal. Despite that, some fans think that the Canadiens may have overpaid for the 22-year-old.

NHL: Montreal Canadiens at Colorado Avalanche - Source: Imagn

3 reasons why the Montreal Canadiens extending Kaiden Guhle may not pay off

#1: No trade clause

According to reports, in the final two years of Kaiden Guhle's contract, there is a five-team no-trade clause that kicks in. While a five-team NTC may not be an insurmountable hurdle, once you exclude teams in the Atlantic Division and factor in an additional five teams, the Habs could have their hands tied.

Expand Tweet

At the time the five-team NTC kicks in, Guhle will be in his physical prime, which could help the team if they wind up deciding that they want to trade him despite the smaller pool of teams they can negotiate with.

#2: Long-term commitment

While the Canadiens are optimistic about the long-term commitment to Kaiden Guhle right now, if things don't pan out as the franchise expected, a deal that runs through 2030–31 could become problematic.

With a slew of defensemen set to hit free agency in the years to come, the $5.5 million the Habs are spending on Guhle could potentially be better spent elsewhere on a more proven free agent as they look to improve in the standings.

#3: Durability

Although it's a relatively small sample size, Kaiden Guhle played just 44 games during the 2022–23 season before being shut down with an ankle sprain. While he bounced back last season, skating in 70 games, it will be interesting to see whether or not he's able to remain healthy this year.

As a defenseman who is at his best when playing a physical game, the team will need Guhle to stay healthy. Given that he's expected to be a starting defenseman, or at worst a second-line defender, the team will need him on the ice for long stretches, just like they did last season.