The challenge of convincing a star to sign in Montreal is well known.
Between Quebec taxes, intense media pressure and harsh winter weather, the task is far from simple for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.
But a recently highlighted strategy could well change the situation: the use of deferred money.
This approach, recently exploited by the Anaheim Ducks to sign Frank Vatrano, could be the Canadian’s secret ammunition to attract players like Mikko Rantanen or Sam Bennett this summer.
Frank Vatrano signed a three-year contract with the Ducks, which ties him to the team until 2028. But what catches the attention is the structure of the contract:
$3 million per season for three years, a reasonable sum for a team under financial pressure.
$9 million in deferred salary, which will be paid from 2035…for 10 years…
This structure offers significant advantages. By deferring a large portion of salary until later, the Ducks minimize the contract’s immediate impact on their salary cap, while making the deal tax-efficient for the player.
Vatrano will be able to receive most of this amount once his career is over, in a more favorable tax environment than in California, where he pays a lot of taxes.
For players hesitant to come to Quebec due to high taxes, deferred money can represent an attractive compromise.
We are talking about a direct tax advantage: By receiving part of their salary after their career, when they no longer live in Quebec, players could save millions in taxes.
This approach helps spread costs over time and maintain competitiveness under the salary cap.
Few teams use this method intelligently, which could give the Canadiens a strategic advantage in the free agent market.
With a salary cap that will climb to $92.4 million, Montreal will have exceptional room to maneuver this summer.
Rantanen, one of the best forwards in the NHL, could command a contract in the region of $13.5 to $14 million per season on a long-term contract.
To convince the Finn to choose Montreal, Hughes could structure the agreement in a manner similar to that of Vatrano:
A significant portion of the salary paid immediately to offset Quebec taxes.
Another portion deferred over several years, received after his career in a more advantageous tax context, far from Quebec…the most taxed place in North America.
Rantanen, often in the shadow of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in Colorado, could be tempted by the idea of becoming the face of a historic franchise like the Canadiens.
Add to that the presence of his compatriot Patrik Laine and a central role in a young team that is taking off and Montreal becomes a seriously attractive destination.
If Rantanen represents the ambitious dream, Sam Bennett is the realistic and strategic target. With a current salary of $4.425 million, Bennett could command a contract around $6-7 million per season. ($8 million in Quebec?)
Here again, deferred money could play a crucial role in luring the tough center from the Florida Panthers.
Bennett could receive a significant portion of his salary deferred over a post-career period, which:
Would reduce the immediate impact of his contract on the Canadian’s salary cap.
Would provide the player with long-term financial security.
Would skillfully circumvent the obstacle of Quebec taxes.
With Bennett, the Canadian would add a second competitive center, capable of complementing Nick Suzuki while providing leadership and unmatched intensity.
For Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, the summer of 2025 represents a rare opportunity to transform the identity of Canadians. With ample salary space, a young and promising core, and specific needs on offense, the team is in a strong position to attract a star.
But in a market where players are often hesitant to choose Montreal, deferred money could be the asset that tips the scales.
Hughes must capitalize on this approach to convince players like Rantanen or Bennett that Montreal is the best option for their career and financial future.
Finally, the CH GM has a way to overcome tax obstacles and attract players who would otherwise hesitate to sign in Montreal.
Whether to attract a superstar like Mikko Rantanen or a pest like Sam Bennett, the summer of 2025 could mark a turning point in the Canadian’s reconstruction.
With this strategy, Hughes and Gorton have the opportunity to build a team that is not only competitive, but capable of becoming a powerhouse in the NHL again.
It is up to them to seize this unique opportunity. For once they can avoid Quebec tax.
