The most notable omission is Zack Kassian, whose numbers come off the books while he is enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA's Substance and Behavioral Abuse Program. His roster spot has been granted to the waiver-exempt Jacob de la Rose. If Kassian returns to the lineup, the Canadiens will be responsible for a pro-ration of his $1.75 million cap hit.
Mike Condon has replaced Dustin Tokarski in the role of backup goaltender. That move actually costs the Canadiens a small amount from a salary cap standpoint as Condon's 2015-16 league-minimum salary of $575 000 creates a slightly larger cap hit than the deal Tokarski entered into beginning at the start of last season, when the league-minimum salary he agreed to was $550 000.