Earlier today, Wednesday, January 14th, the Montreal Canadiens re-signed forward Alexandre Carrier to a two-year contract extension worth $5M and with an AAV of $2.5M.
This contract sends a variety of messages to several audiences.
Alexandre Texier
The message to Texier is clear. We value what you’ve delivered so far, and enough to commit beyond this year.
But there is another subtle message to Texier. You’re getting a look on the top line, but we’re not prepared to pay you like you’re a lock there.
Internal players
There is a long list of injured forwards returning to the line-up in the coming weeks that got the memo. Texier may have been signed as a placeholder while the Canadiens wait for them to get healthy, but he has earned his spot. They will compete with him for their place in the line-up.
There are other players currently playing that do not have contracts beyond this year. Both Joe Veleno and Zachary Bolduc are guys that would love to be extended. The message to them is that if you prove yourself useful, there is a place for you in Montreal.
External general managers
In the coming weeks, barring further injuries, GM Kent Hughes will have to move out some contracts that don’t fit in the future plans of the Montreal Canadiens. So obviously he extends the newest player on the roster.
The message to the league is that Hughes is not feeling cornered. He is ready to do business, but he’s not timid to make the deals that work for him.
External players
It wasn’t so long ago that Texier was a healthy scratch in St. Louis and miserable. In Montreal he has found his love of the game again. Patrik Laine said the same after his arrival. The Habs culture is getting a reputation.
The Texier contract extension was a tidy bit of business. The timing of that extension made sense for business, but it also communicated some things about where the Habs are at. And where the Habs are at is a very good place.
Hab At Her 