Montreal extends qualifying offers to five RFAs; three others cut loose
The Montreal Canadiens have extended qualifying offers to five of the team's restricted free agents. The offers were made to forwards Max Domi and Charles Hudon, as well as defensemen Noah Juulsen, Victor Mete and Xavier Ouellet.
The biggest name in this group is, of course, Max Domi. Domi recently switched agents and rumours were flying around that he was looking for a trade out of Montreal. His new agent has since refuted those claims saying Domi loves the city and the team, and wants to stay. Domi registered 17 goals and 44 points in 2019-20. His expiring contract paid him $3.15 million per season AAV.
Hudon recorded two points (1G, 1A) in 15 games with Montreal this season. He also played 46 games with the AHL's Laval Rocket, tying for fifth in the league in goals with 27. Hudon has had a difficult time finding a permanent spot on Montreal's roster despite excellent numbers in the AHL.
Juulsen collected three assists and posted a +6 differential in 13 games with Laval this past season. He was injured for a large portion of 2019-20. Mete recorded 11 points in 51 games (4G, 11A). He suited up for all 10 playoff contests played by Montreal in the Toronto Hub-city, recording two helpers. Ouellet suited up for 12 games collecting two assists. He also skated in all 10 postseason contests with the Canadiens this year, registering one assist.
The Canadiens have not made public the money or terms offered to any of these players. The submission of these offers means the Canadiens have the right of first refusal to match any offer sheets from competing teams and officially retain negotiating rights.
Meanwhile, Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reports that the Habs have decided not to extend qualifying offers to Aaron Luchuk, Andrew Sturtz and Antoine Waked. All three will become free agents on October 9th.
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Roope Hintz | - | 4 | 4 | |
| Ross Colton | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Jason Robertson | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Logan Stankoven | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Sam Steel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Mika Zibanejad | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Thomas Harley | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Oliver Kylington | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Will Cuylle | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jonathan Drouin | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jack Drury | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Matt Duchene | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Oliver Ekman-Larsson | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Warren Foegele | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Vinnie Hinostroza | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Wyatt Johnston | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Matthew Knies | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Trevor Moore | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Valeri Nichushkin | 1 | - | 1 | |
| William Nylander | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 60 | 42 | 15 | 3 | 87 | |
Capitals | 59 | 38 | 13 | 8 | 84 | |
Stars | 59 | 38 | 19 | 2 | 78 | |
Maple Leafs | 59 | 37 | 20 | 2 | 76 | |
Golden Knights | 59 | 35 | 18 | 6 | 76 | |
Panthers | 60 | 36 | 21 | 3 | 75 | |
Lightning | 58 | 34 | 20 | 4 | 72 | |
Hurricanes | 59 | 34 | 21 | 4 | 72 | |
Oilers | 59 | 34 | 21 | 4 | 72 | |
Wild | 60 | 34 | 22 | 4 | 72 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||