Canes need 8 more roster players under contract. They have 22.7 million in cap . Which leaves 16.2 after Aho for 7 more players. If Justin Williams doesn’t retire ($4.5) they have 11.7 left for 6 . I doubt Reimer is their starting goalie, they are going to have to spend to the cap.
Considering Montreal was in a dog fight for the wildcard , maybe they gained an advantage even if Carolina matches.