I have always been a big believer in Plekanec. Very talented, team player. Any GM would love to have him.
I know Edler less well. I recall a smooth, largish defenceman. Good puck mover.
The two players have identical cap hits, $5M. More term on Edler's deal but he is 3 or 4 years younger.
Despite my reluctance to part with Plekanec, moving him for Edler could help the Habs. But it would involve moving one of our own core defencemen in a separate deal. For the purposes of arguement, let's say Markov (and others?) in a deal for Wayne Simmonds. Or better still, a rugged LWer
The Habs get bigger, tougher and younger. They may lose a little initially on the PP with Edler subbing for Markov but with Beaulieu and Nygren on the horizon, together with Diaz and PK, puck-handling D should not be much of an issue.
And Markov is not getting younger. Though I expect another good season from him this year, particularly if his ice time is more carefully controlled, he is on the decline. Unlike Edler.
Without Pleks and Markov, the Habs shape up this way:
NOW
Galchenyuk Eller Gallagher
Pacs Desharnais Gionta (Thomas)
Bourque Briere Simmonds
Prust White Moen
Edler PK
Emelin Diaz
Murray Gorges
(Tinordi, Cube)
IN A COUPLE OF YEARS
Pacs Galchenyuk Simmonds
Collberg Eller Gallagher
De La Rose Desharnais Thomas (McCarron)
4th line
Tinordi PK
Edler Nygren
Beaulieu Pateryn (Dietz)
extras: Leblanc? Gorges? Diaz?
To me, this looks like a plan.
