Just
a day after informing their fan base not to expect any deadline dramatics, the
Montreal Canadiens did exactly the opposite, at the last minute (of the first)
trade deadline acquiring star rental defenseman Cody Franson, and a second
goaltender in Thomas Griess, trading all of their draft picks this season in
the process (and maybe more).
The deals became possible only after lawyers for the club exploited, for lack
of a better word, the way league rules around salary retention and rental
player rules were written, or rather, not written. The result was a compromise that
led to an extension of the trade deadline so that other teams could also work
under the same interpretation of the rules.
<b>”It made complete sense to us, how we were interpreting these salary
rules. The combination of such trade rules had yet to have been implemented, so
it was certainly unprecedented, but not unfair.”</b>
It is yet to be clear how the league will clarify these rules for next season,
but a re-write is expected.
In the end the deals were made, and the Habs sent their first, and two third
round draft picks to the Boston Bruins for Cody Franson, further bolstering
what has arguably been the best defense in the FNHL this year. The deal could
become more expensive for Montreal, under some good circumstances, with the third
round picks converting to future first round picks should they make and win the
cup final.
The team then also traded for goaltending insurance, sending a second round
pick out for Thomas Griess. Both trades made use of salary retention and rental
tags, allowing minimal cap hits on the players.
Since before the deals Montreal has been in a bit of a struggle, losing 3 games
before the deadline, and two after, for their first 5 game losing streak in three
years. The streak was snapped with a crucial divisional win against the Florida
Panthers, maintaining their 4 point lead on a weak Atlantic Division.
9/26/2026 - 305 words
