Utah trade is a cap move IMO, if we want to save the cap and spend it else where. Also picks are just trade capital. Also allows for internal growth from our prospects. If forced to pick one of the two trades I would pick the Utah trade bc the Habs trade is a bunch of meh (lower value guys and one big negative value guy) and no real cap advantage.
This would be OK, if we actually gave them room for growth.
If you trade Ehlers for some decent centerman prospect, and then go on to lock up Monahan with the cap savings, that C prospect isn't going to get a shot in the top 9 with the Jets for a long, long time. That's a waste of an asset.
A high pick is a much better return, if we are forced to lose that trade. We've actually shown clear willingness to work with our top picks, and we'll get another high pick in 2025 due to an inept offense. Those guys could actually become difference makers down the line. Wash that shit juice down with no cap room getting tied up to the Josh Andersons of the world, and it's at least logical.