Since being implemented after the 2004/05 lockout year, the NHL salary cap has had an overpowering effect on the league and on how management groups run their team. So when commissioner Gary Bettman announces a ballpark for what next year’s ceiling may be, everyone is all ears. And like every other team, the Montreal Canadiens will gladly welcome an increase.
The cap manages to go up in some regard each year where each increase is sometimes greater than others. But last year’s nearly $5 million boost – thanks to the addition and success of the Vegas Golden Knights – gave the Habs a lot more room to work with.