General 2025 Off-Season Discussion Thread

[Maitz]

Slaf-Suzuki-Caufield
Demidov-2C(UFA)-Dach
Anderson-Newhook-Gallagher
Heineman-Evans-4RW(UFA)
13th: UFA

Hutson-Guhle
Matheson-Carrier
Struble-Reinbacher
7th: Xhekaj

Monty
Dobes

 

[Sorinth]

It depends how close we think Beck is to become an NHL regular.

Even if after Laval's playoffs we decide that Beck isn't ready I prefer Newhook centering one of the bottom-6 lines to Dvorak.

 

[26Mats]

How much would you offwe Ekblad???

Would be sick to have a top 4 of:

Guhle Ekblad
Hutson Reinbacher
Xhekaj/Matheson Carrier

 

[Kennerback]

Even if after Laval's playoffs we decide that Beck isn't ready I prefer Newhook centering one of the bottom-6 lines to Dvorak.

My concern is a having one reliable guy to win faceoffs.

 

[26Mats]

Slaf-Suzuki-Caufield
Demidov-2C(UFA)-Dach
Anderson-Newhook-Gallagher
Heineman-Evans-4RW(UFA)
13th: UFA

Hutson-Guhle
Matheson-Carrier
Struble-Reinbacher
7th: Xhekaj

Monty
Dobes

I'm sure HuGo will go get a 2c.

It's going to be interesting to see if they also go get another top 6 winger and an RD... I think it depends on if they think Mailloux has a future here.

 

[Sorinth]

My concern is a having one reliable guy to win faceoffs.

Eh, not my biggest concern. Suzuki and Evans were above 50% and both took more faceoffs then Dvorak anyways. So it's a nice to have/luxury but not a big enough difference maker in who deserves the spot.

 

[HuGo Burner Acc]

My concern is a having one reliable guy to win faceoffs.

This is based on the assumption that they don't trade away any roster players and get a 2C with picks and prospects. What probably ends up happening is Evans slots in for Dvorak on that line. Newhook plays LW with Demidov and the newly acquired 2C. Dach, Laine, and Heineman make up another line and you run with:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Newhook-2C Trade-Demidov
Heineman-Dach-Laine
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher

 

[badi]

This is based on the assumption that they don't trade away any roster players and get a 2C with picks and prospects. What probably ends up happening is Evans slots in for Dvorak on that line. Newhook plays LW with Demidov and the newly acquired 2C. Dach, Laine, and Heineman make up another line and you run with:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Newhook-2C Trade-Demidov
Heineman-Dach-Laine
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher

Newhook on you're second line ....Really ?
The guy has zero hockey IQ and stone hands
Should be gone

 

[JianYang]

I don't think anyone needs to be concerned about hutson's shot. He doesn't need a heater, and his toolset is similar to Quinn Hughes when it comes to shooting.

Hughes goal numbers are pretty comparable to hutson for his forst 6 seasons, and he was still really good.

I think hutson will find out how to be more effective with his shot and i don't think it will take 5 years either.

 

[JianYang]

How much would you offwe Ekblad???

Would be sick to have a top 4 of:

Guhle Ekblad
Hutson Reinbacher
Xhekaj/Matheson Carrier

I don't think ekblad will age well and his injury history is alarming.

In a cap world, I go for a less risky option.

 

[HuGo Burner Acc]

Newhook on you're second line ....Really ?
The guy has zero hockey IQ and stone hands
Should be gone

Beggars can't be choosers. What is probably better is Dach reunites with Caufield and Suzuki (which was a good line) then you move Slaf down with Demidov and the new 2C. Then you can put Newhook in the middle of one of the bottom two lines. It all really depends on Dach imo

 

[Sterling Archer]

I agree I like PP1 with Demidov, then I'd build a PP2 around Laine + crash the net for rebounds.

Suzuki
Laine - 2C - Newhook/Heineman
Matheson/RHD

I think the RD would be important for the Laine 1 timer it's easier to make the pas Righty to righty

I think that's the best option and gives you TWO solid PP units. Our 2nd unit is basically the 3rd line coming on to not give up a goal at the end of the PP and Suzuki. Need to fix that.

 

[tooji]

if last night taught me anything it’s that we have the pieces to have a top powerplay in the league next year. That alone should buy us a lot of points in the standings

 

[HabsAddict]

I'm sure HuGo will go get a 2c.

It's going to be interesting to see if they also go get another top 6 winger and an RD... I think it depends on if they think Mailloux has a future here.

Mailloux is driving me nuts.

I played RHD at a very low level and my favorite position...and he's soiling my dream position with lack of discipline. He simply refuses to KISS and gets himself into trouble.

He's got the tool belt but not the discipline.

 

[HuGo Burner Acc]

I don't think ekblad will age well and his injury history is alarming.

In a cap world, I go for a less risky option.

I would honestly target Adam Larsson. Good health in his career. Big complementary style to Hutson or could play a shutdown role with Guhle if you wanna move Reinbacher beside Hutson. Good contract. And wouldn't cost too much to acquire. You're probably looking at a package of Mailloux, Roy, and a 2nd

 

[Sterling Archer]

When you look at who may be available to slot into the top 6 center role, I think EP would be the best option to play with Demidov and possibly Laine. He's a beast defensively and has just under a PPG career. I think he's a no brainer option if he's available and there will be a lot less focus on him being on a team with so many other players the media obsesses on. I think EP alone makes this team a contender and he's only 26.

 

[HabsAddict]

Where's Laine ? I want to see his to-do list the most.

I don't see a future for him with the Habs. His PP shot is replacable and 5 on 5 is peewee level and we can't afford that.

 

[Kosseca]

How much would you offwe Ekblad???

Would be sick to have a top 4 of:

Guhle Ekblad
Hutson Reinbacher
Xhekaj/Matheson Carrier

Ekblad... I don't know why, but he gives me Alzner PTSD....

 

[HabsAddict]

When you look at who may be available to slot into the top 6 center role, I think EP would be the best option to play with Demidov and possibly Laine. He's a beast defensively and has just under a PPG career. I think he's a no brainer option if he's available and there will be a lot less focus on him being on a team with so many other players the media obsesses on. I think EP alone makes this team a contender and he's only 26.

Who is EP?

 

[Maitz]

I'm sure HuGo will go get a 2c.

It's going to be interesting to see if they also go get another top 6 winger and an RD... I think it depends on if they think Mailloux has a future here.

Yes I also think he will trade both our 1st picks+ for a 2C but I wouldn't overpay personnally for a 2C, 16-17th overall could be 2 major pieces at control cost, look at Guhle Caufield being 15-16th overall. I don't want us to skip steps in the rebuild, I like what I saw and I think they can land eithrr Duchene(Habs fan growing up btw) or someone like Granlund to play 2C. Maybe Dach will blossom next year(ain't counting on it tho) I would just keep stacking good prospect and maybe eventually one will become expendable for a trade

 

[overlords]

Who is EP?

pettersson

 

[themilosh]

This is based on the assumption that they don't trade away any roster players and get a 2C with picks and prospects. What probably ends up happening is Evans slots in for Dvorak on that line. Newhook plays LW with Demidov and the newly acquired 2C. Dach, Laine, and Heineman make up another line and you run with:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Newhook-2C Trade-Demidov
Heineman-Dach-Laine
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher

Laine is a top 6 player or bust.. there is no way on this earth he is able to be a 3rd liner. What don't people understand? You can't take a #2 overall pick, and tell him to grind like a 3rd liner.. never works. Ever.

 

[BozoTheClown]

This team needs to overpay for a 2C. They are ready to take another step forward. You can’t just halt this type of momentum and you can’t just ask Suzuki to perform at that level again.

Momentum!?

Make the playoffs on the last game of the season while being a fairly healthy team all year to get taken out in 5 games by Tom Wilson.

1st legit playoffs in 8 years! Momentum?!

Why can’t Suzuki perform at the level?
Isn’t the kind of players we want on the team or more lazy Laine and Dach?

Why rush the process with instant gratification?

I don’t want the team to overpay for a#2 C unless it’s someone under 26 years old with size, speed, grit and excellent work ethic.

Now find me that guy.

 

[26Mats]

Yes I also think he will trade both our 1st picks+ for a 2C but I wouldn't overpay personnally for a 2C, 16-17th overall could be 2 major pieces at control cost, look at Guhle Caufield being 15-16th overall. I don't want us to skip steps in the rebuild, I like what I saw and I think they can land eithrr Duchene(Habs fan growing up btw) or someone like Granlund to play 2C. Maybe Dach will blossom next year(ain't counting on it tho) I would just keep stacking good prospect and maybe eventually one will become expendable for a trade

A few points come to mind:

- I've heard this isn't a deep draft after the top 10. Mid and late 1sts, and 2nd round picks are said not to be that valuable. That's the rumor. I can't substatiate it.

- The rebuild is over. Hughes said he's not going to waste an elite 2-way C like Suzuki's prime. We're in build a team to win now mode, imo. The shift is real. While we're not completely selling the future, we're no longer sacrificing the present. I would have been happy to be in rebuild mode if we were able to draft top 5 again this year. But now we're going to have to go with Demidov, Suzuki, Caufield, Slaf, Hage, Hutson, Guhle, Reinbacher, Fowler as the young elite pieces, and add vets as Florida and Vegas did on their cup runs (traded futures for Reinhart, Bennett, Tkachuk, Hanafin, Eichel, Mark Stone, Hertl, as well as savy moves like Verheghe, Forsling, etc...

The Panthers and Golden Knightts all traded top prospects to get their cups (Suzuki, Owen Tippett, Goalie to Buffalo). I can't see Hughes trading a Hage, Fowler, or Reinbacher. But we'll see...

I would be very happy to sign UFA's without having to give up assets: Marner, Ekblad, Duchene, Granlund, Dumoulin, Orlov, Sam Bennett, RD Brett Burns (?) etc... Just as long as the term isn't a risk...

 

[Sasha Orlov]

A few points come to mind:

- I've heard this isn't a deep draft after the top 10. Mid and late 1sts, and 2nd round picks are said not to be that valuable. That's the rumor. I can't substatiate it.

- The rebuild is over. Hughes said he's not going to waste an elite 2-way C like Suzuki. We're in build a team to win now mode, imo. The shift is real. While we're not completely selling the future, we're no longer sacrificing the present. I would have been happy to be in rebuild mode if we were able to draft top 5 again this year. But now we're going to have to go with Demidov, Suzuki, Caufield, Slaf, Hage, Hutson, Guhle, Reinbacher, Fowler as the young elite pieces, and add vets as Florida and Vegas did on their cup runs (traded futures for Reinhart, Bennett, Tkachuk, Hanafin, Eichel, Mark Stone, Hertl, as well as savy moves like Verheghe, Forsling, etc...

The Panthers and Golden Knightts all traded top prospects to get their cups (Suzuki, Owen Tippett, Goalie to Buffalo). I can't see Hughes trading a Hage, Fowler, or Reinbacher. But we'll see...

Agreed. We have our core pieces, and it’s now time to add a great supporting cast. We have elite talent and can afford to mortgage the future at this point.