But until then, we can assume that the Habs will head into camp without any further acquisitions. Assuming Arber Xhekaj signs a new contract worth $2.5 million for next season, the Habs could end up with the most expensive defense in the NHL in terms of payroll. According to figures from @PuckPedia and assuming Xhekaj signs for an AAV of $2.5M, the #GoHabsGo will have the most expensive defense in the NHL this year, at $37.56M (after Vegas places Pietrangelo on the LTIR). First, the Vegas Golden Knights would have to place Alex Pietrangelo on the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) list, which wouldn't be at all surprising. The Habs have saved a lot of money on their forwards and will continue to do so over the next few seasons.