The official contract buyout period in the NHL began on Friday. The Vancouver Canucks surprised everyone by buying out Swedish defender Olivier Ekman-Larsson, who still had a four-year agreement with an annual value of $8.25 million.

According to many experts, four players in particular could see their contracts bought out in the coming hours. This notably includes a player that many Canadiens fans would like to see leave this summer, namely Joel Armia, who still has a valid contract for the next two seasons with an annual salary of $3.4 million.

Some will say Brendan Gallagher, others Mike Hoffman, but Joel Armia has been seen as a thorn in the side of the Tricolore for many years. Buying out his contract could save the CH nearly seven million $ over the next two years, but would result in a penalty of $1.43 million for the following two years. – Joel Lemay

Here are the three other players who may potentially be bought out very soon:

– Boston Bruins’ defender Mike Reilly (One-year contract at $3 million)

– Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltender Matt Murray (One-year contract at $6.25 million)

– Dallas Stars’ defender Ryan Suter (Two-year contract at $3.65 million per season)

Last year, seven contracts were bought out during the summer, we can probably expect a similar number this year as well. Do you believe that Kent Hughes should buy out Joel Armia’s contract?

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT KENT HUGHES SHOULD BUY OUT JOEL ARMIA’S CONTRACT?