We are talking about an annual salary of 10 million dollars. This will bring the potential "future" top three to $26.5 million. Eichel, Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone are likely to form one of the most expensive first units in the league.
In short, in order to get some cash, Kelly McCrimmon will have to deliver a few loonies, and then the player who seems to be targeted is Reilly Smith. Smith has an average salary of $5 million and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this calendar.
So far, the 30-year-old right winger has 11 points in 15 games. Four teams would be at the height of the derby, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Rangers, the St. Louis Blues and ... the Montreal Canadiens.
What is Marc Bergevin doing in this race? Does he really need the services of a Reilly Smith? The Habs needs are mainly in front of the net and on defense. On offense, besides the bad performances of Christian Dvorak or Tyler Toffoli, it is going well under the circumstances.
