Overview

• Multiple reports say Montreal expects to move Price’s $10.5 million AAV contract in the coming days to address a roughly $5.9–$6 million cap overage and regain accrual flexibility.
• The contract carries a $10.5 million cap hit but just $7.5 million in 2025–26 salary, with a $5.5 million signing bonus paid Sept. 1 that materially eases a trade.
• Rebuilding or near‑floor teams are the main suitors, with the Sharks, Blackhawks and Ducks most cited and the Penguins occasionally mentioned as a possibility.
• RG.org and Pro Hockey Rumors report San Jose is viewed as the most likely partner, though the Sharks would need to navigate the 50‑contract limit and could send AHL depth deals back.
• Reporting indicates Montreal will likely include draft picks or a prospect as a sweetener, and freeing roughly $4–$4.5 million in usable space would set up a later push for a top‑six center such as Pavel Zacha, Casey Mittelstadt, Jason Dickinson or Mason McTavish.