Habs have $30 million for free-agents

The National Hockey League salary cap for the 2009-10 season will be revealed next week, but one thing is already certain – the Canadiens have more money to spend on free agents than any other team.

But it remains to be seen whether this is a blessing or a curse.

For the first time since the lockout, the salary cap won’t rise. But it is expected to be in the $54 million-$56 million U.S. range, and the Canadiens have 11 NHL players under contract with a commitment of only $23.5 million.

General manager Bob Gainey gave himself a great deal of flexibility by finishing the season with 10 players who could become unrestricted free agents on July 1 as well as three restricted free agents. But there is also the potential of gaping holes in the roster

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