NHL Rumors: Reporter believes Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky will sign franchise-high $64,000,000 contract extension

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified May 31, 2024 15:58 GMT

The Montreal Canadiens are preparing for the upcoming NHL draft and offseason, but some important developments are already generating interest. One of the most prominent topics is the potential contract extension for Juraj Slafkovsky, a forward who had an outstanding season with 20 goals and 50 points.

With one year left on his entry-level contract, discussions about his future with the Canadiens are gaining momentum.

TVA Sports' Jean Charles Lajoie and Tony Marinaro of The Sick Podcast delved into what Slafkovsky's next contract could look like. Marinaro suggested that the Canadiens might offer Slafkovsky an eight-year, $64 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $8 million.

“Yes, you will, because we gave the captain this contract three years ago. Does that mean that for the next four, six or seven years, no one can earn more than him?” Marinaro said (Via tvasports.com)

This would make Slafkovsky the highest-paid player on the Canadiens' active roster starting in 2025–26, surpassing the current highest-cap hits of Captain Nick Suzuki ($7.875 million) and Cole Caufield ($7.85 million).

However, Lajoie offered a different perspective, doubting that the Canadiens would pay Slafkovsky more than Suzuki.

“Look at me carefully… three years, 15 million and then he’s going to break the bank,” Lajoie said.

He projected a more conservative three-year, $15 million bridge contract, giving Slafkovsky more time to prove himself before cashing in on a larger deal. This bridging contract method could also give the Canadiens some financial flexibility in the short term while they examine Slafkovsky's future progress.

There is also a possibility of compromise between the two extremes. A five-year deal with an annual salary between $6 million and $7 million could be a middle ground that satisfies both the player's aspirations and the team's salary structure.

Yet, Slafkovsky's agent might push for a longer-term contract, banking on his client's potential to command a higher salary, possibly aiming for an AAV close to $8.5 million annually.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is expected to seek additional scoring forwards this summer. While Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets has been floated as a possible target, Hughes might prefer younger, healthier, and more affordable options to fit the team's long-term plans.

Montreal Canadiens sign Jared Davidson to two-year entry-level contract

The Montreal Canadiens have secured forward Jared Davidson on a two-year entry-level contract, effective next season.

Davidson was picked 130th overall in 2022 NHL Draft. He caught Montreal's eye during his time with Seattle Thunderbirds, where he spent five junior seasons, tallying impressive stats.

In his WHL career, Davidson recorded 99 goals and 111 assists in 254 games, earning recognition on the U.S. Division First All-Star Team twice.

The signing brings the Canadiens' total player contracts for the upcoming season to 39, with approximately $8 million in projected cap space per Cap Friendly.