What happened: The Hockey News' Adam Proteau ranked the Montreal Canadiens fifth in his latest NHL power rankings, tied with the Dallas Stars. Montreal has not made a trade or free-agent signing this offseason, but Proteau credited a roster that returns largely intact from a 106-point season.
Why it matters: The ranking puts Montreal among the league's top five before GM Kent Hughes has touched the club's $13.3 million in cap space. Kirby Dach and Arber Xhekaj remain unsigned, and Hughes has also been searching the trade market to upgrade the roster this summer.
By the numbers: Dach's two-way qualifying offer of roughly $4 million expires July 15; without a new deal, arbitration would follow. Xhekaj's next contract is expected to track close to what fellow blueliner Jayden Struble signed last summer, a two-year deal at a $1,412,500 cap hit. For comparison, the Anaheim Ducks gave forward A.J. Greer a four-year, $4.25 million deal after a 32-point season.
What to watch: Dach's qualifying-offer window closes July 15; after that, arbitration proceedings would determine his next contract if no deal is reached.