Montreal Canadiens Sign Kaiden Guhle to Six-Year, $33.3 Million Extension
MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have secured the future of one of their most promising young defensemen, Kaiden Guhle, signing him to a six-year, $33.3 million contract extension on Wednesday. The deal, which begins in the 2025-26 season, comes just as Guhle enters the final year of his entry-level contract, which carries a salary cap hit of $863,334 for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Guhle, 22, has emerged as a key building block for the Canadiens’ defense since making his NHL debut during the 2021-22 season. Known for his physical presence, smooth skating, and strong two-way play, Guhle has quickly become a fan favorite and an integral part of Montreal’s future. His new contract solidifies the Canadiens’ commitment to their rebuilding project and ensures that one of their top young talents will remain with the team for the long term.
A Rising Star
Drafted by the Canadiens in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft with the 16th overall pick, Guhle has shown significant progress in his development. Last season, he played in 70 games, recording six goals and 16 assists, while averaging 20:51 in ice time per game. His ability to log big minutes and contribute at both ends of the ice has been a clear indicator of his potential.
Despite his youth, Guhle has already demonstrated maturity beyond his years, handling tough defensive assignments with poise and demonstrating offensive upside that is rare for a player of his age. His 22 points last season placed him among the top producers on the Canadiens’ blue line, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong presence in his own end.
In addition to his NHL performance, Guhle represented Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, further cementing his status as one of Canada’s top young defensemen. He registered one goal and four assists in nine games, contributing to Canada’s successful tournament run. His international experience will only serve to accelerate his growth as a player, as he continues to gain valuable exposure at the highest levels of competition.
A Long-Term Investment
The Canadiens’ decision to extend Guhle on a six-year deal underscores their confidence in his abilities and their desire to build around him for the future. With an average annual value (AAV) of $5.55 million, Guhle’s new contract is a significant commitment, but one that reflects his emerging status as a key contributor on the team.
The contract extension also comes just a day after the Canadiens signed two other important defensemen, Arber Xhekaj and Justin Barron, to two-year deals. By locking up Guhle, Xhekaj, and Barron, the Canadiens are securing a solid defensive core that they can rely on moving forward. The trio, along with other young talents, forms the foundation of Montreal’s defense for years to come.
For the Canadiens, this contract is not just about securing Guhle’s services for the next several seasons; it’s also about providing stability on the back end. With Guhle locked up, the Canadiens can focus on developing the rest of their young roster while knowing they have a reliable and skilled defenseman anchoring their blue line.
Looking to the Future
As Guhle prepares for his final season under his entry-level contract, the Canadiens will be hoping for even more growth in his game. With his combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ, Guhle has the potential to become a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL. The new extension reflects the Canadiens’ belief that Guhle will continue to develop into one of the league’s top young defensemen, and that his best years are still ahead of him.
For fans of the Canadiens, Guhle’s extension is a sign of hope and excitement as the team continues its rebuilding journey. With a talented young defenseman locked in long term, Montreal is poised to build a competitive team around players like Guhle, who will be key contributors in the coming years. The Canadiens’ future looks bright, and Guhle’s contract extension is an important step in that direction.