Line Combos: Early look at the 23-24 Habs

[WeThreeKings]

Eh, like this past season?

and worst case is he's on LTIR and you have extra space, not like he's going to cost much on the salary cap, and the term would be 1 year.

 

[Rapala]

This is an exercise in futility before we know the complete list players under contract for 23/24. Sure we know some of them but we don't know enough to make a guess at the best fit and chemistry.

 

[That Habs Fan]

This is an exercise in futility before we know the complete list players under contract for 23/24. Sure we know some of them but we don't know enough to make a guess at the best fit and chemistry.

I agree, but being a Habs fan for the past few decades has been an exercise in futility yet here we are

 

[G0bias]

PLD-Suzuki-Caufield
Slaf-Dach-Monahan
RHP-Dvorak-Anderson
Ylonen-Evans-Heineman

Needs another gamebreaker, hopefully filled by our 23' 1st, but its shaping up nicely

 

[Vincent01]

Not expecting us to be competitive nor do I want it. 2 years isn't enough to call an end to this rebuild, we're still missing a lot of pieces regardless of this draft. Let the young guns cook a full year together in the AHL (Slaf included) and try for Dubois in 2024.

Monahan - Suzuki - Caufield
Harvey-Pinard - Dach - Hoffman
Ylonen - Dvorak - (project player with 1 AVV)
Armia - Evans - Gallagher
Pezzetta

Guhle - Savard
Matheson - Barron
Edmundson - Xhekaj
Kovacevic

Montembault
Primeau

Traded players :

Anderson (at the draft) Get some value while we still can, he's just not a fit. He's a serviceable player but probably won't be by the time we're competitive.

Edmundson (throughout the year) Gotta prove he can be healthy first, probably doesn't have much value at the moment. Kovacevic takes his spot.

Monahan (at the trade deadline) A project similar to Edmundson, could have 0 value, could be worth a 2nd if healthy but we have roster spots and cap space to sign him and see what happens.

Hoffman (at the trade deadline) Helps the tanking and is a warm body until kids are ready. Slafkovsky (AHL) probably takes his spot before the end of the year.

Harris (at the draft) Doesn't see him with us long term. I think he's the odd man in our young D corp with the emergence of Xhekaj. I don't mind keeping him for another year though.

Allen (at the draft) Let's give Primeau a chance. Not expecting much but still... If Montembault is worth more, well it could be him going away. Neither are going to be important when we'll be competitve.

 

[Leon Lucius Black]

Dubois - Suzuki - Caufield
RHP - Dach - Anderson
Slaf - Monahan - Heineman
Ylonen - Evans - Gallagher
Pezzetta/Armia

Guhle - Savard
Matheson - Barron
Xhekaj - Harris
Kovacevic

Monty
Allen

- Depending on how Farrell looks, some time in the AHL wouldn't hurt. I think Heineman will make it hard for management to send him back down.
- Let Gurianov walk, he didn't make the most of his chances here.
- Either include Dvorak in Dubois trade, or move him elsewhere. Bring Monahan back as depth on a cheap deal.
- Trade Edmundson for whatever before he gets hurt again.
- Try and trade Hoffman after free agency to a team who missed out on scoring depth, eat 50% if you have to.

 

[_vivelequebec_]

2025-2026, because I don't really care of the next two years I just want the bolded names to be properly developed. I also want us to hire competent medical staff. We can't keep going like this, we are ruining players potential. Finally, we need to do small steps in the standing. We finished last in 2021-2022. We gained 4 places this season. If we gain 4 places next year, and 4 others in 2024-2025, we would be 20th in the NHL. At that point, you can pretend for playoffs.

Here's the plan :

You don't resign any future UFAs that we have (Hoffman, Dvorak, Armia, Edmundson, Savard, Allen) except maybe Evans.

You buy out Gallagher June 15 2025.

You trade Anderson just before 2024 draft (hopefully he scores 25 next season). Maybe offer him to the Jets in exchange of the right to deal with PLD before July 1st?

The only bad contract remaining is Price, for one season only and on LTIR so we don't care.

Dubois (27) - Suzuki (26) - Caufield (24)
Slaf (21) - Dach (24) - Benson (20)
RHP (26) - Beck (21) - Roy (22)
Farrell (23) - Evans (29) - Ylonen (25)
Heineman (23) - Kidney (22) - Mesar (21)

Guhle (23) - Reinbacher (20)
Matheson (31) - Barron (23)
Hutson (21) - Xhekaj (24)
Engstrom (21) - Mailloux (22)

Montembeault (28)
Primeau (26)

Average age would be like 24 yo. Probably one of the youngest team in NHL recent history. Just haven't figured out yet how to pick Benson AND Reinbacher.

 

[Miller Time]

Unless he finds a trade leveraged in our favor based on his targets, I think Hughes will be comfortable to mostly return the same group... Maybe with a few adjustments in depth vets or Monahan back on an incentive structure 1 year deal, but otherwise only moving picks or taking on a cap dump for a 1st like last summer

CC - Suzuki - Gurianov/Hoffman*
RHP - Dach - Anderson
Slaf - Dvorak - Gally
Pitlick/Pez - Evans - Armia
Heineman/Ylonen/Farrell/Roy*

(*1 of these 6 wins the opening season 1st line spot riding shotgun with CC/Zuki, the rest end up in Laval or pressbox unless injury opens other spot)

Matheson - Edmundson
Guhle - Savard
Xhekaj - Harris
Barron

Monty
Allen

Eddy, Hoff & maybe others get traded in season, replaced internally or with cap dump... We add 2-4 more extra picks or prospect/RFA assets while likely picking top 12 one more time. Hughes heads into '24 offseason with ~10-15M in cap space, talent deep young roster with several ELC/RFA bargain roster contributors & a war chest of picks/prospects to negotiate deals/go fishing for big ticket upgrades like PLD & a top pair RD... ushering in a long run of playoffs/contending from 24-25 on

 

[Destopcorner]

PLD-Suzy-CC
SLAF-Monahand-Andy
Heineman-Dach-RHP
Pezz-Evans-Armia
Belzile
Gally ltir, hoffman buyout

Many good centers in that lineup so we ain't caught flat footed on the first injury.

Mony and Andy are the only 2 guys I want out of that top 9 before 2025 Not much place left for our Roy, Beck, Mesar, Farell and others in that top 9...

 

[habsterr]

23-24 Garbage Roster

Rafael Harvey-Pinard - Nick Suzuki - Cole Caufield
Juraj Slafkovsky - Kirby Dach - Josh Anderson
Jesse Ylonen - Christian Dvorak - Brendan Gallagher
Michael Pezzetta - Jake Evans - Joel Armia
Rem Pitlick

Michael Matheson - Justin Barron
Kaiden Guhle - David Savard
Arber Xhekaj - Jordan Harris
Jonathan Kovacevic

 

[ML16]

Laval Rocket 2023-2024 :

Heineman/Farrell - Stephens - Richard/Roy
Bourque - Kidney - Teasdale
Dubé - Abbandonato - Simoneau
Condotta/Martel - Mysak/Davidson - Gignac

Trudeau - Allard
Struble - Bowey/AHL veteran
Beaudin/Schueneman - Tourigny/Mailloux
Norlinder/Fairbrother

Primeau/Dobes
Poulin

I think Heineman, Roy and to a lesser extent Farrell are the likeliest candidates for graduating to the NHL at some point during 2023-2024. Heineman as the highest chance to begin the season since he could play LW4 from the outset. The sooner Hoffman's contract is shipped elsewhere to make room for him, the better. I also see Roy as an intriguing darkhorse candidate for top-6 RW duties, especially if Dach is deployed as C2 next year.

Montreal Canadiens 2023-2024
[No significant moves besides trading UFA-to-be Edmundson and Hoffman]

Caufield - Suzuki - Roy / Slafkovsky
Harvey-Pinard - Dach - Anderson
Slafkovsky / Heineman / Farrell - Dvorak - Gallagher / Ylonen
Heineman / Pezzetta - Evans - Armia / Belzile

Matheson - Savard
Guhle - Barron
Xhekaj - Harris
Kovacevic

Montembault
Allen/Primeau

Montreal Canadiens 2023-2024
[Besides trading Edmundson and Hoffman, the Habs' 2023 1st round pick is NHL-ready and, in light of this, they acquire Dubois vs FLA's 2023 1st; Dvorak and one of Ylonen/Mesar/Farrell. With Dvorak gone, they also sign Monahan to a bonus-structured short term contract while the 2023 1st, Beck, Kapanen and Kidney continue to develop.]

Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
Slafkovsky - Dubois - 2023 1st / Roy
Harvey-Pinard - Monahan / 2023 1st - Anderson
Heineman - Evans - Gallagher
Armia/Ylonen, Belzile

Matheson - Savard
Guhle - Barron
Xhekaj - Harris
Kovacevic

Montembault
Allen

 

[Chadstudsky]

Laval Rocket 2023-2024 :

Heineman/Farrell - Stephens - Richard/Roy
Bourque - Kidney - Teasdale
Dubé - Abbandonato - Simoneau
Condotta/Martel - Mysak/Davidson - Gignac

Trudeau - Allard
Struble - Bowey/AHL veteran
Beaudin/Schueneman - Tourigny/Mailloux
Norlinder/Fairbrother

Primeau/Dobes
Poulin

I think Heineman, Roy and to a lesser extent Farrell are the likeliest candidates for graduating to the NHL at some point during 2023-2024. Heineman as the highest chance to begin the season since he could play LW4 from the outset. The sooner Hoffman's contract is shipped elsewhere to make room for him, the better. I also see Roy as an intriguing darkhorse candidate for top-6 RW duties, especially if Dach is deployed as C2 next year.

Montreal Canadiens 2023-2024
[No significant moves besides trading UFA-to-be Edmundson and Hoffman]

Caufield - Suzuki - Roy / Slafkovsky
Harvey-Pinard - Dach - Anderson
Slafkovsky / Heineman / Farrell - Dvorak - Gallagher / Ylonen
Heineman / Pezzetta - Evans - Armia / Belzile

Matheson - Savard
Guhle - Barron
Xhekaj - Harris
Kovacevic

Montembault
Allen/Primeau

Montreal Canadiens 2023-2024
[Besides trading Edmundson and Hoffman, the Habs' 2023 1st round pick is NHL-ready and, in light of this, they acquire Dubois vs FLA's 2023 1st; Dvorak and one of Ylonen/Mesar/Farrell. With Dvorak gone, they also sign Monahan to a bonus-structured short term contract while the 2023 1st, Beck, Kapanen and Kidney continue to develop.]

Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
Slafkovsky - Dubois - 2023 1st / Roy
Harvey-Pinard - Monahan / 2023 1st - Anderson
Heineman - Evans - Gallagher
Armia/Ylonen, Belzile

Matheson - Savard
Guhle - Barron
Xhekaj - Harris
Kovacevic

Montembault
Allen

I like this

 

[abo9]

Here's my totally serious take at the Habs 2023-2024 roster.

Please don't take the trades too seriously in terms of values and/or trade partner - the point is more: We get rid of Wideman, Edmundson, Armia, trade for Dubois' rights and trade Dvorak for as much as we can.

For contract signings, P. Kane for 1 year, we can totallyyyy double retain him at the TDL to net a 2nd or 1st pick.

C depth is one of the best in the league and locked long term. Bunting and Bertuzzi push a few players down and allow us to develop prospects in the AHL. Kept Gallagher as he's fine on a 3rd/4th line role and he'll cost less to dump after each passing year.

Again, so serious.

Edit darn it didn't pick the D and I lost the page now.

Matheson - Savard
Guhle - Barron
Xhekaj - Kovacevic
Harris

 

[26Mats]

PLD-Suzuki-Caufield
Slaf-Dach-Monahan
RHP-Dvorak-Anderson
Ylonen-Evans-Heineman

Needs another gamebreaker, hopefully filled by our 23' 1st, but its shaping up nicely

This is close to how I have it.

I just don't see us getting rid of Gallagher, so I have him on the 4th line, and Heineman or Slaf starting in Laval...

And, I have Monahan leading that 3rd line and Dvo on the wing in the top 6 to hopefully get his trade value up.

 

[Beer and Chips]

That's like EPIC work as a GM to trade the Hoff and Army. Perhaps he'll be able to turn Dvorak and Evans into McDavid.

I'm starting to think HUGO isn't trying to trade Hoffman and Armia yet telling the young players they need to be better. Sound familiar?

 

[Scriptor]

Not expecting us to be competitive nor do I want it. 2 years isn't enough to call an end to this rebuild, we're still missing a lot of pieces regardless of this draft. Let the young guns cook a full year together in the AHL (Slaf included) and try for Dubois in 2024.

Monahan - Suzuki - Caufield
Harvey-Pinard - Dach - Hoffman
Ylonen - Dvorak - (project player with 1 AVV)
Armia - Evans - Gallagher
Pezzetta

Guhle - Savard
Matheson - Barron
Edmundson - Xhekaj
Kovacevic

Montembault
Primeau

Traded players :

Anderson (at the draft) Get some value while we still can, he's just not a fit. He's a serviceable player but probably won't be by the time we're competitive.

Edmundson (throughout the year) Gotta prove he can be healthy first, probably doesn't have much value at the moment. Kovacevic takes his spot.

Monahan (at the trade deadline) A project similar to Edmundson, could have 0 value, could be worth a 2nd if healthy but we have roster spots and cap space to sign him and see what happens.

Hoffman (at the trade deadline) Helps the tanking and is a warm body until kids are ready. Slafkovsky (AHL) probably takes his spot before the end of the year.

Harris (at the draft) Doesn't see him with us long term. I think he's the odd man in our young D corp with the emergence of Xhekaj. I don't mind keeping him for another year though.

Allen (at the draft) Let's give Primeau a chance. Not expecting much but still... If Montembault is worth more, well it could be him going away. Neither are going to be important when we'll be competitve.

With all due respect, that's a horrible lineup given the players on hand.

I'd personally keep Anderson as I see more value as there is less years remaining on his contract and he currently brings enough skill and involvement to support younger players and contribute to the emerging culture under St-Louis.

Anderson showed some chemistry with RHP at seasons end and, barring the addition of Dubois, with Dach as the 2nd line C, they should be on that line.

Depending on his performance at training camp, I would consider Heineman to play RW with Caufield and Suzuki. Heineman has pro experience against men and has learned to develop his defensive acumen. Plus, Heineman has the shot and hockey IQ to complement the dynamic offensive duo.

Dvorak would remain as the third line C and Evans would slot in for the fourth line. We are limited with a few remaining contracts but this would be my 12 forwards:

Caufield - Suzuki - Heineman
RHP - Dach - Anderson
Slafkovsky - Dvorak - Gallagher
Hoffman - Evans - Armia
Ylonen, Pezzetta

It's still good/bad enough to miss the playoffs and nobody else should move up from the Juniors or the AHL next season, Slafkovsky will be playing in Montreal again, St-Louis using special teams to give him a role and motivation.

This lineup definitely needs a boost and it won't be coming from the AHL or Juniors, or the draft for next season, I don't think (barring a Bedard or Fantilli miracle through the lottery).

That's why I think that trading for Dubois and signing a healthy Monahan to a one-year show me deal might be what os needed to support the kids. I'd hope that Dvorak would be moved, along with a pick and a young D, for Dubois:

Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
Slafkovsky - Dubois - Anderson
RHP - Monahan - Heineman
Armia/Hoffman - Evans - Gallagher
Hoffman/Armia, Ylonen, Pezzetta

This lineup would be much better, depth-wise and would enable younger players to take another step forward.

With the arrival of other players the following year -- Roy, maybe our 2023 1st round draft pick -- Montreal could move on from Monahan and stack its top-9:

Caufield - Suzuki - Roy
Dubois - Dach - Anderson
Slafkovsky - Smith/Dvorsky - Heineman (kid line)
RHP - Evans - Gallagher/Armia

Mesar and Farrell would still be maturing in the AHL, IMO.

 

[Kennedys]

The only thing i hope is they get more offense going on. It's about time

 

[Adam Michaels]

Habs are now listed middle of the pack in terms of cap in the NHL. They're listed on CF as having a little over $9M in cap space. They do have only Price on LTIR, even though I believe off-season LTIR is different from when the season begins.

Caufield will take up most of that cap space. And they do have RHP, Ylonen, Belzile & Pez to sign, as well. But it feels like this might be the first time in a few years where Habs won't be excessively over the cap and using much of LTIR for a safety net.

 

[Mrb1p]

Farrell and Heineman should both have an opportunity of making the lineup next year

Heineman yes, not Farrel

 

[Cournoyer12]

Where is Dvorak and Evans? How did you get rid of Hoffman and Armia?

Made them an offer they couldn’t refuse! Tee-Hee!

 

[waitin425]

Only significant move I at forward see is Dvorak + Florida 1st + Engstrom for PLD

Dach - Suzuki - CC
Slaf - PLD - Anderson
RHP - Moneyhands - Gally
Ylonen - Evans - Armia
Pezz/Farrell

At defence I think we move Eddie for a 2nd. Seems about right.

Matheson - Savard
Guhle - Harris
Xhekaj - Barron
Kovacevic

Monty
Allen

Draft - Matvei Michkov

But I am looking forward to the 2026/27 roster, so let's fast forward a little bit.....

Dach - Suzy - CC
Slaf - PLD - Michkov
Farrell - Beck - Roy
Heinemen - Kidney - Mesar

Guhle - Hutson
Matheson - Mailloux
Xhekaj - Barron
Harris

Hrabel
Monty

 

[Cournoyer12]

In Bettman's head.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Buttman makes it hard on the Habs concerning Mailloux. Just a bad feeling I get.

Can’t believe we finish 2nd in the NHL with that team..

Just goes to show how great Pricer was !!!!

 

[1909]

23-24 Garbage Roster

Rafael Harvey-Pinard - Nick Suzuki - Cole Caufield
Juraj Slafkovsky - Kirby Dach - Josh Anderson
Jesse Ylonen - Christian Dvorak - Brendan Gallagher
Michael Pezzetta - Jake Evans - Joel Armia
Rem Pitlick

Michael Matheson - Justin Barron
Kaiden Guhle - David Savard
Arber Xhekaj - Jordan Harris
Jonathan Kovacevic

If it is a garbage roster, it should iclude Hoffman and Wideman..... who are still both under contract.

 

[nhlfan9191]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Buttman makes it hard on the Habs concerning Mailloux. Just a bad feeling I get.


Just goes to show how great Pricer was !!!!

I think Mailloux has done what he has too. He may not be “clean” but he’s done everything he’s had to for a redemption. This isn’t a Miller situation.

 

[MadMslm]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Buttman makes it hard on the Habs concerning Mailloux. Just a bad feeling I get.

I don’t believe he will. To me it feels like Bettman was only protecting his back.

Mitchell’s situation blew out in epic proportions, and if that “what about Mailloux” moment didn’t happen I don’t we would be having this discussion

It would surprising, to me, if Bettman had that idea in head, he answered like any good lawyers would do by protecting the league’s interest.

Now instead of reacting, he will get control of the narrative.