2nd Line Center Question

[The Last Red]

Option 1: keep Dach, center
- wait for off-season evaluation of:
—-dach
—-hage
—-draft position
…. Then Loop back over 3 options.

Option 2: keep Dach, wing
- internal bridge (Newhook, Beck, other)
- LT solution trade
- ST trade

Option 3: trade Dach for:
- LT solution
- ST solution
- other

Option 1 until the off-season.

Option 1. He was great two years ago. Give him the season to get back there. If he can’t, then move forward. Also, Suzuki is a lower end no. 1 anyway so the whole top 2 centers issue might need to be re-evaluated after the season anyway.

 

[LaP]

Option 1: keep Dach, center
- wait for off-season evaluation of:
—-dach
—-hage
—-draft position
…. Then Loop back over 3 options.

It's effectively possible our 2nd line center problem will be solved next draft.

 

[The Last Red]

It's effectively possible our 2nd line center problem will be solved next draft.

Too bad we still might have a first line center “problem” regardless.

 

[FerrisRox]

Too bad we still might have a first line center “problem” regardless.

What is the Canadiens first line centre problem?

 

[admiralcadillac]

You just ride it out with Dach, we have the rest of this year and all of next year to evaluate him. But even if he trends up and finds his game, I don't think that stops us from doing the things we need to do to have more depth and opportunity there.

There's Bennet on FA which I probably would avoid because I don't think he's really a 2C and the term and contract will probably be ugly.

Someone mentioned trying to trade for Malkin in the summer, that one I like because it not only gives some short term insurance and upside to the roster, but it also gives an esteemed generational Russian talent to help mentor and ease Demidov in to north america next season.

Yeah this team isn’t winning with or without Dach being ok at 2C so may as well ride the year out then evaluate.

 

[Habs13]

I'm wondering how much the injury is still bothering him. I'm not sure it's Dach being lazy as much as it might be his leg not being completely healed and ready for the speed of the NHL.

Personally, I'm not ready to give up on him. I still think he has a huge upside and it might take a while longer to get back to where he was prior to the injury in game two of last season.

 

[The Last Red]

What is the Canadiens first line centre problem?

You saw that I put quotation marks around the word, right?

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Dach has slowly climbed up to 41%.

If he can get over 45% and stay there I'd be fine with him sticking at centre.

You can't have someone who isn't a rookie being at 30 f***ing percent

 

[Miller Time]

Combine option 1 & 2...

Let Evans and Dvorak walk (or trade them for assets at deadline), then aggressively pursue an option like Malkin who can upgrade the top 6 C spot immediately without giving up on Dach.

Slaf Suzuki CC
Laine Malkin Demidov
Newhook Dach Heineman
Anderson Beck/Kapanen Gally

That would be a pretty solid forward group to roll with next season imo

 

[Milhouse40]

Wouldn't be surprise thhat they start Demidov at center next year so......

 

[jrom]

Wouldn't be surprise thhat they start Demidov at center next year so......

I’ve read Demidov himself saying he likes to play at C. Is this a possible option or not really ?

Odds are next draft it’s again gonna be winger / undersized C / D by the time we get to pick…

 

[Weltschmerz]

Maybe Laine can play center for now.