Quote:
Originally Posted by Aarongavey
Window starts to end when they have to pay Demidov 13 million a year. Suspect they know that.
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Historically, I believe, teams that win most often do so in the early years of their upswing (when their highest performing players are on ELCs or lower second contracts and can be complimented with more naturally expensive veterans). Those teams are also the most likely to repeat.
If they don’t, they face a retool (sometimes significant) to re-open the window. You have one-offs that buck the trend (usually thanks to generational players + stellar goaltending) but it’s less common.
Montreal is probably has this year and next to legitimately contend before they face at least a small retool, turning over 30-40% of the roster. The core is set, but with Hutson and Demidov increases coming over the next two years it makes a ton of sense for them to push the chips in this year and try to become legitimate contenders.