"Teams can't just hand out contracts like Halloween candy because they're limited to 50 contracts. In addition to the 23 players on the main roster, the injured (even Carey Price, for the Habs) and prospects playing in the AHL count among the 50 players. Finally, clubs must keep a few spots open in case they want to reach agreements with NCAA prospects, whose season typically ends in March or early April. That's what the Habs did with Lane Hutson this spring, for example. According to CapFriendly, Montreal currently has 39 contracts, a number to which will need to be added restricted free agents like Arber Xhekaj and Justin Barron, who are awaiting new agreements, as well as signings on July 1st."
-Guillaume Lefrançois from La Presse
