1) Price at 50% retention or substantial retention is how we are able to move him to a contending team where they can fit him in. Trying to trade him at full cap hit is almost impossible... especially in years where there is a flat gap growth while the NHLPA pays off their outstanding balance to the owners.
2) I don't care about the savings if we are rebuilding and heading with a youth roster for several years while we rebuild. We don't need cap space in those years. Just extend Allen or sign another bridge gap goalie to play with Primeau.
3) "I hope for a Golden Return". That's your assumption where you tried to quote me on it which is flawed comprehension. I would expect a late 1st and Grade A/B prospect though (not playing in the NHL yet).
4) Trades are not simple or happen in a vacuum. Sure, I agree. Didn't say it would be simple. Once again, your making assumptions and trying to hold me to it. Go somewhere else with that BS flawed comprehension spin.
Here is a trade example I feel that the Oilers would be open to and the Habs get solid value to help start the rebuild (not a golden return):
* Price (Retention down to $6M +/-). I would consider full 50% retention... $5.25M
* Montembeault (if the Oilers wanted a cheap back-up to replace sending Koskinen/Smith the other way for cap reasons).
for
* Koskinen (Pending UFA... cap reasons)
* Smith (cap reasons.. Oilers can retain him if they prefer. Up to the Oilers)
* 1st round pick (likely 20+ range)
* Holloway (Fringe grade A prospect)
* Lavoie (Grade B or B+ type)
I would not ask the Oilers to trade any young current roster player (like Bouchard & Broberg). A very complicated deal but a platform to review and discuss further. Is this a "golden" return for you?
Habs Cap Hits in:
* $5.25M for 4 years with Price
* $4.5M for Koskinen for the rest of the season
* $2.2M for Smith for this season and next (if the Oilers wanted to send that contract for cap reasons)
* -$750k for Montembeault
Total: $11.2M. No problem for the Habs to fit that in for the rest of the season. In the following season, it would be $10.325M for retention on Price, Allen, and Smith. Less salary than what we are paying this year for Price and Allen. We are not going to extend Koskinen.
Oilers Cap Hits in:
* $5.25M for Price
* $750k for Montembeault
Total: $6M. Creates a little wiggle room to go after other deadline depth moves. A healthy Price gives the Oilers a better shot at a cup which is why I have identified the Oilers as a potential trade partner. Would they like trading a late 1st, Holloway, and Lavoie? Probably not but Habs also are not desperate to move Price at 50% retention and give the Oilers a chance at a cup for free.
As a Habs fan, I feel this type of deal works for both teams. I would like to see the Oilers bring the cup back to Canada and Price helps them with that no doubt in my mind! I'd make a move like this if the Oilers can swallow that futures price. I would not consider that a golden return but I do believe it's a fair return and addresses cap issues which has to be part of the trade package in order to make it work for the Oilers in their cup run years.
