Eller is in a similar position to Subban two yrs. ago, the Habs have no intention of trading Lars, IMHO. Teams would be all over getting Eller no doubt, Bergevin wants a cap friendly contract, another bridge deal. Well Eller may not seem to some as valuable as Subban is on defence, two different positions with less icetime, rare PP time. Watching Eller's play in the playoffs, showed just how much his game has improved, he's due a raise the amount is the only question.
With the salary cap restraints, a GM that's trying to build a championship team has to keep in mind RFA's like O'Reilly can surely screw a team's long term plans. Core group players that are team oriented understand the GM's position, Eller will sign a bridge deal and be outstanding over the next two yrs. IMHO. That was his goal leaving this summer to be in the best shape of his career next season and play in the top six, which I believe he's more than capable of realistically.
What remains to be seen is which player can step up and take the hard minutes he was putting in the last couple of years. Here is where Bergevin's dilemma lies, as DD can't take the defensive role, leaving Plekanec and Malhotra. The alternative is each of the top nine players playing similar minutes, which doesn't work unless PAP and Sekac really bring the possession game to another level. The scoring during the playoffs showed each line is capable against top competition, so maybe this is Bergy's plan. In any case Eller is certainly worth $2.25 this year and $2.75 next, IMHO, so a two year contract for $5.mil is likely, $1.65 is a slap in the face for a player like Lars, IMHO.
