Yeah but that was at the deadline and he was UFA to be (so flexibility in terms of contract and cap).I hear you all, and from an Isles perspective we just traded an unsigned 33 year old Brock Nelson for a first and top C prospect. Horvat is the same level player, younger, and signed.
Was posting based off of OP’s assertion that Hage is available. If he’s not, it’s unlikely Horvat is either.
Horvat’s age makes it that when (not if) he slow down, Hage will be there to take over the 2C role and keep the window open without having to sacrifice prime assets.
As I said, Horvat could be a very target for the Habs, just not at the expense of Hage. I could see Beck or Mailloux or another similar prospect being offered with a first round pick (which will be mid teens compared to the very late first you’ll get from Winnipeg). I just don’t see Hage moving for Horvat.
I don’t either but when that C is turning 30 next month you have to look further down the road.Personally, I don’t see the big deal with trading Hage + if the return is a low to mid 20’s second line centre that fits with the current core.
Suzuki, Caufield, etc are all approaching their mid 20’s and waiting for Hage to develop into that centre the Habs need may not even pay off. Gotta pay futures to win.
Demidov is never going to touch an AHL ice. That’s just not going to happen.I agree, but I wouldnt rush Demidov. Have him get used to NHL play in AHL for a few years. Develope him and dont rush him. Have Granlund as a stopgap until he is ready. If Demidov shows signs of beeing ready, then you bring him up and give minutes.