The Montreal Canadiens have ignited controversy after general manager Kent Hughes placed Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to clear space for Phillip Danault’s contract. The move, reported by Renaud Lavoie, has sparked debate over whether the organization is exploiting LTIR rules to maneuver around the salary cap rather than simply responding to injuries.
LTIR requires a minimum absence of 10 games and 24 days, making it a tool often used by NHL teams to gain cap relief. Hughes’ decision comes at a critical time, with Dach sidelined by a foot fracture until late December and Guhle recovering from a lower-body injury that may require surgery, keeping him out until January.
- Kirby Dach (24): Cap hit of $3.36 million through 2026, 7 points in 15 games this season, 128 career points in 284 games.
- Kaiden Guhle (23): Cap hit of $5.55 million through 2031, 2 points in 5 games this season, 60 career points in 174 games.
Critics argue that the Canadiens are prioritizing financial flexibility over transparency, especially as rumors swirl about whether the team could have managed Danault’s acquisition without resorting to LTIR. Fans on social media accused Hughes of “cap gymnastics,” while others defended the move as standard practice in a league where every dollar counts.
Meanwhile, the Laval Rocket has seen a surge in call-ups to fill the roster gaps, underscoring the precarious balance between player health and organizational strategy. With Dach and Guhle’s official status under scrutiny, the Canadiens’ next roster announcement will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike.