Suzuki is entering the final year of his entry-level contract and will get a huge raise next season, going from $863.3K AAV to $7.875M AAV. With Philip Danault now in Los Angeles, Suzuki will be tasked with playing major minutes in 2021-22, as he looks to build on his 60-point pace from a season ago.
Barre-Boulet was an undrafted free agent who has put up outstanding point totals in the QMJHL and AHL. Last season he had 12 points (8G / 4A) in 10 games with Syracuse but just three goals in 15 games with the Lightning. In Seattle, he'll have a chance to make an immediate impact, especially with four forwards on the COVID-19 protocol list to open the season.
According to a post by Price's wife on Instagram, Carey is taking a step back to focus on his mental health. We wish Price all the best and hope to see him back on the ice soon. While he's away, Jake Allen will become the Canadiens' No.1 netminder and Cayden Primeau/Samuel Montembeault will work behind him.
Armia has become a versatile part of the Canadiens' middle-6 in recent years and signs a nice $3.35M AAV extension the day before free agency. Armia's offence fell off a bit in 2021 but has averaged 19 goals and 16 assists (35 points) per 82-games in his three years in Montreal.
Things did not go well for Laine after he was traded to the Blue Jackets, scoring 10 goals with 11 assists (21 points) in 45 games--18-goal, 20-assist per 82 game pace. However, Laine should benefit from the Blue Jackets and John Tortorella parting ways and the one-year deal gives him an opportunity to have a bounce-back season and cash in next year.
Lindstrom appeared to have a track to being a full-time NHL player in 2021-22, until Marc Staal signed a one-year extension on Sunday. Still, Lindstrom appeared din 13 NHL games a season ago and should be a factor with both the Red Wings and Griffins (AHL) next season.
Allard spent most of the season in the AHL but made his season debut with the Predators in 2021. The 23-year-old, former third-round pick had 18 points (3G / 15A) in 25 games with Chicago (AHL) and will likely be a fringe roster player for the Predators in 2021-22.
After reports of potentially career-ending knee and hip injuries, the Canadiens received some great news on Price's status this week. He will not need surgery on his hip but underwent surgery on his knee and is expected to be ready for training camp next year. After a tough regular season, Price turned in a stellar postseason, going 13-9 with a 2.28 GAA and .924 SV%.
