5 Montreal Canadiens players and personnel detrimental to retool roster after quick playoff exit ft. Patrik Laine

The Montreal Canadiens had a successful season in which the team’s rebuild took the next step. The Habs squeaked into the final playoff spot, earning a date with the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the Washington Capitals.

While the Capitals bounced the Canadiens in five games, the overall feeling was one of positivity given how far the team has come in a short time.

The Canadiens now face a summer in which more pieces are needed to get the team over the hump, but the limited cap space poses a problem. PuckPedia reports that Montreal has a little over $6 million in available space.

Montreal has one more year of Carey Price’s $10 million cap hit on LTIR. But even with that extra space, it won’t be enough for the Habs to retool their roster in hopes of becoming a stronger force in the Eastern Conference.

So, here’s a look at the five Montreal Canadiens players and personnel most detrimental to the team’s roster retool for this upcoming season.

#5 Mike Matheson

Mike Matheson could be expendable this upcoming season - Source: Imagn

Mike Matheson is entering the final year of his current deal, carrying a cap hit of $4.88 million. The good news is that Matheson will be a UFA at the end of the season.

The bad news is that the Canadiens are shot on cap space and Matheson has become expendable with the emergence of Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson. Plus, Logan Mailloux looks like a solid NHL defenseman, leaving little room for an overpriced contract like Matheson’s.

The Canadiens will have a hard time moving Matheson as he’s got a modified no-trade clause. So, finding cap relief there won’t be an easy task.

#4 Arber Xhekaj

Arber Xhekaj has been a bit of a sideshow for the Montreal Canadiens. He’s a rugged, albeit one-dimensional blue liner. When he’s been in the lineup, the Canadiens basically play with five defensemen.

While Xkehaj’s cap hit isn’t much of a big deal, he takes up a roster spot which could be used for someone who would likely play a much bigger role with the team.

#3 Martin St. Louis

Martin St. Louis will need to prove he's the right coach for the Habs - Source: Imagn

Martin St. Louis deserves credit for taking on a tough task. He stepped in amid the Montreal Canadiens full-on rebuild and stuck with the team during a couple of truly lean seasons.

But as has been the case, St. Louis has yet to prove he’s the right coach for a playoff-contending team.

When St. Louis was hired, there were serious concerns about his lack of experience. While he’s grown into the role and has built a solid relationship with the Montreal fans and media, he’s a question mark moving forward.

If the Canadiens regress next season, St. Louis could be on the hot seat.

#2 Brendan Gallagher

It’s tough to put Brendan Gallagher on this list as he’s been a good soldier over the years in Montreal. He played a key role during the team’s 2021 playoff run and has been a positive influence during the lean years.

But it’s Gallagher’s cap hit that gets in the way.

He’s got two more years at $6.5 million and a no-movement clause. That situation means the Canadiens are stuck with Gallagher as it will be hard to find someone to take on his contract as part of a salary dump.

If the Montreal Canadiens didn’t have cap issues, and several RFAs looming on the horizon, Gallagher’s contract wouldn’t be such a big deal.

#1 Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine's contract could become a major burden on the Habs' salary cap - Source: Imagn

Patrik Laine had a resurgence in Montreal despite an injury-filled year. Laine’s disappointing playoff exit with a hand injury was unfair considering how well he played when healthy.

However, Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit is getting in the way of the Montreal Canadiens’ ability to add key pieces for next season.

While Laine is in the final year of his current deal, there’s no telling if the team will be compelled to re-sign him. Even if the Montreal Canadiens want to keep Laine, the big question will be how much he’ll be willing to take to stay.

That’s why Laine’s contract, more than anything else, is the biggest obstacle to the Habs’ retool this offseason.

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama

Edited by Nestor Quixtan