Montreal sits about 5 million over the cap, and moving Carey Price’s 10.5M cap hit would unlock space for immediate roster moves and a rash of deadline gambits. If no deal before opening night, Price could land on LTIR, squelching future flexibility and making performance bonuses a peril for callups. Several teams have floated a second-round pick for Price’s deal, but GM Ken Hughes insists Montreal isn’t forced to move him. The market suggests a trade is likely, even if not guaranteed.