Is the Rebuild almost done? POLL

[LaP]

Internal solutions like Dobes are pretty much the only solution. Askarov just got traded. Anaheim isn't moving Dostal. Oettinger is with Dallas long term. Vasi is with Tampa long term. Shesterkin signed long term with the Rangers.

Sorokin is probably the only guy that might end up available.

Sorokin has not been that great the last two seasons though. He's gonna be 30 next year. I'd pass signing a huge contract with him looks like a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[TCIH]

I voted that we need two pieces. A top pairing right-handed defenseman, and a middle-six center. Any other deficiencies can/will be solved from within the organization.

 

[Milhouse40]

The rebuild is over, it was over this summer as I said many times here even if the final product is not yet on the ice.

Now all there's left to do is build the team, and to many posters : The perfect team doesn't exist.
There will be always tweak, always improvement that we need to do......there's a reason many top teams are trading for players at TDL.

Habs have all the tools to complete their team : Tons of picks, Tons of prospect at every position, Tons of cap space.

We could literally trade a 2025 1st + 2nd + 3rd + 4th round pick + Mailloux + Engstrom + Roy for ONE very good player without breaking a sweat.

 

[expy]

Internal solutions like Dobes are pretty much the only solution. Askarov just got traded. Anaheim isn't moving Dostal. Oettinger is with Dallas long term. Vasi is with Tampa long term. Shesterkin signed long term with the Rangers.

Sorokin is probably the only guy that might end up available.

Technically like I said, Fowler is the solution long-term, but when he's ready we'll have but a small window again, since our core's prime will be then and there.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

The rebuild is over in my views, the top 6 will be sexy, we should be more than fine with Dobes/Fowler, all we need is a Cernak/Tanev/Pesce type of D but younger and sooner than later, we will aim for more than playoff

Cernak is my ultimate dream. He is such a rock defensively.

 

[Kaiden Ghoul]

Cernak is my ultimate dream. He is such a rock defensively.

Tought he was in his 30's , 28 at season end, i wonder if TB would look to get a lil bit younger, and if by chance they would trade him intra division

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

As I said a while ago, the hard part’s over. We’ve acquired some great young talent. Are we there yet? No. And there will always be posters who will complain we aren’t going fast enough. That’s fine, I’m glad their complaints are being ignored.

Hughes has done exactly what so many of us have advocated for. Draft high, trade for picks/prospects, weaponize cap space, deal away vets…. He’s done a wonderful job so far.

Before this season started most of us expected us to be on the bubble. I remember comparing this club to the 2013 team and saying sometimes young talent can suprise you. I was really hopeful for a strong year.

To see us get off to that awful start just sucked so bad. I expected Roy to be with us, I expected Dach to be better…. Just so bad to start the year. But we’ve bounced back and indeed young talent has surprised us.

Still an evaluation year. Still looking to see who will be here and who won’t. Sucks that Roy missed his chance with this recent injury but at least we get to see Beck.

I feel very positive about our future. Demidov will cement the top six and then we’ll have good young offensive talent that can start filling in the bottom two lines.

So no, we’re no there yet but the signs for Walleyworld are starting to appear. We’re getting closer.

 

[Stoneburg]

We are missing, or have serious questions about elements of our top 6, our bottom 6, and our D.
So yeah, we are missing a few pieces. I think in the next two years we will have many answers. The truth is that all organizations are in a constant state of flux.

 

[JianYang]

No, it's not. But it's nice to have a sneak peak right now.

Let's not be Pierre Dorion.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I voted that we need two pieces. A top pairing right-handed defenseman, and a middle-six center. Any other deficiencies can/will be solved from within the organization.

RB and Hage can fill those spots.

There will also be variables. Injuries being a big one. Good chance that RB would have already been with us had he not gotten hurt. Other injuries will happen as well unfortunately.

We’ve got good talent coming. Two more firsts. Lots of assets… we’re in really good shape.

 

[Revansky]

At least three pieces away (a top 6 C and a top pair two way RD and 1 G). Maybe Reinbacher can be the top pair D but a big question mark at the moment. Don't think he will bust so a top 4 of Guhle, Rein and Hutson will be interesting if they can all stay healthy. I feel like we'll have a lot of interesting prospect to fill out the bottom pair with Engstrom, Xhekaj, Konyushkov and Mailloux. Our D it's just lacking one big piece and all should fall into place.

Offensively, If we keep Laine we need a really good 2 two way C as he's an amazing goalscorer but flawed player. It remains to be seen if Dach can continue on his streak and stay healthy. Hage is at least 2-3 years away for making an impact in the NHL. We should have a least for key pieces with Slaf, Demidov, Suzuki and Caufield. Depending on Dach and Laine, we may need one or two other pieces.

Our bottom 6 is good at the moment but will need revamp and is overprice. Heineman should be able to replace Armia (unless he takes a two to max three year contract at a low number). Kapanen and Beck seems promising but would keep Evans as he's playing a key role in a lot of situations. Would like a better offensive third center and a big winger (maybe Tuch ) too as Evans, Kapanen, Beck and Heineman is a bit light on physicality and offense.

On G, maybe Fowler, Dobes or Volohkin can become that missing piece. Ideally, Montembeault would be a great backup/ 1 B option not our number one.

We have enough pieces, draft capital and some game changers in some key positions. But we'll enter the most difficult phase of a retooling/rebuilding, we'll need to choose which players to hold on and which to sacrifice to get the missing pieces. Getting over the hump is something some teams rebuilding aren't able to do even with good roster.

 

[Guess]

Need a 1RD, a top 6 C (if Dach doesn't pan out in C), possibly more physical bottom 6 guys with scoring ability who can fight well (we have a bunch of guys who might pan out there in the AHL now but who knows if they do).

1G not set yet but we probably don't need to do anything.

Right now the only big priority is finding a true stabilizing 1RD, I don't think Matheson will be resigned after next season, and doubtful Reinbacher is ready for the kind of minutes Hutson is playing by 2026-27.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

I think the Habs have now to stay alert and opportunistic. Last off season, they got Laine on a discount, which was a master stroke by Hughes. Keeping cap space available could offer us a similar situation next off-season. While many seem to consider the rebuild almost over, to me the next steps are the most important. Do not overpay free agents on long term deal, keep cap space available, continue to add young assets (picks/prospects) and be ready to act if a star/great player is available. For instance, Florida were opportunistic with Reinhart, Tkachuk, Bennett. Vegas was also opportunistic with Stone, Eichel.

I have no doubt that some players who are deemed untouchable at this moment might become available a year from now, and sometime from unexpected teams.

Do not overpay for 3rd/4th line players or 6th/7th defenseman. This is the trap you need to avoid. Historically, when you core is pretty much complete you can always trade picks for players to fill that role on a good cap hit or on ending contract at the trade deadline. Role player are important but they are the final touch. We already have used a lot of cap hit on similar players like Armia, Dvorak, Gallagher, Anderson. Do not repeat this please and yes it also includes Evans (who I really love but his next contract unless a super discount will not be worth it)

 

[KevSkillz4]

The tank is over. The rebuild isn't over, but we are in very very good shape so far.

Lane Hutson is much better than expecting, yess, we knew about his great offensive talent, but product like that, amazing compete level, that's just unreal.

We have already a lot of great pieces who already play with Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky, Dach, Laine, Heineman, Hutson, Guhle and Dobes.

We have Demidov, Hage, Reinbacher and Fowler who will coming.

We have 2 1st picks this year and and lot of B prospects, management have assets to do great deals.

Soo... not over, but in very good shape!

 

[No More Subban]

The rebuild is done, imo. Not because of our current winning streaks but I knew we were done the moment we drafted Demidov and Hage. Even more now after seeing what Hutson, Dobes, Heineman can do. We don't need another high draft pick, just gotta get the young guys get some NHL experience. There'll be some growing pains for sure but it's all part of the process.

 

[ReHabs]

If the rebuild was finished the Habs wouldn't be in a dog fight for 8th place. This was the mediocrity treadmill every tanker was complaining about.

 

[Egresch]

For me, rebuild will be over once we win our first playoff series.

Tought he was in his 30's , 28 at season end, i wonder if TB would look to get a lil bit younger, and if by chance they would trade him intra division

Kucherov has 2 more years in his contract, I do not think they will make any major changes before that. With growing salary cap, they can afford to extend Perbix, so they will have their core locked (G, 5D and 7F)
If Cernak was to be traded, Montreal would be on the top of his list for sure. He has full NMC for next couple years and he knows we are building a contending team, he would fit perfectly with Hutson and Slaf is his very close friend.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Yes. This was supposed to be our last bad year anyways. It started bad, but the team has arrived ahead of schedule.

We still have a question mark at 2c. But this forward group and prospect pool is our most talented that I've ever seen as a Habs fan. There was a time when we'd be losing our minds over Hage. Now if he doesn't stick at C, he might be a 3 RW behind Caufield and Laine. And Hage isn't even our best prospect.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

If the rebuild was finished the Habs wouldn't be in a dog fight for 8th place. This was the mediocrity treadmill every tanker was complaining about.

Are you serious? One of the youngest team, with a crazy winning streak against top side is not mediocrity at all. And this is not even close to be the 'final' product.

Make your mind. At the beginning of the year you were concerned that the team was bad and at the bottom and now you are concerned about them being mediocre... what is wrong with you? Chose a side. You want to tank or you want them to compete, don't be negative on both account otherwise you look disingenuous and your take cannot be taken seriously.

 

[NotProkofievian]

If the rebuild was finished the Habs wouldn't be in a dog fight for 8th place. This was the mediocrity treadmill every tanker was complaining about.

We had a bad start. It's still possible that this latest stretch is just a hot streak, but it's been ongoing for some time now. The longer it goes, the more likely it is that the team really is good now.

 

[ReHabs]

Are you serious? One of the youngest team, with a crazy winning streak against top side is not mediocrity at all. And this is not even close to be the 'final' product.

If it is a streak then it isn’t the baseline quality, yes or no?

Their age doesn’t have much to do with my comment — the team started the streak when Carrier and Laine joined. Both are in their prime 20s and veterans of the league.

It definitely is not the “final” product but we can only declare the rebuild over when we see the final product. It seems premature to say it now.

Make your mind. At the beginning of the year you were concerned that the team was bad and at the bottom and now you are concerned about them being mediocre... what is wrong with you? Chose a side. You want to tank or you want them to compete, don't be negative on both account otherwise you look disingenuous and your take cannot be taken seriously.

I was concerned the team was 32nd of 32 in some categories and looked underprepared for NHL hockey. Maybe you weren’t? I don’t recognize your username.

I’m not concerned about the team being mediocre today, maybe English isn’t your primary language but it’s plainly obvious to me that my comment was to respond to the question in the OP: No, the rebuild is not complete. I think you agree.

We had a bad start. It's still possible that this latest stretch is just a hot streak, but it's been ongoing for some time now. The longer it goes, the more likely it is that the team really is good now.

Basically put, I would say the rebuild is over (though it never really ends if you want to be specific about certain definitions of certain terms) when the Habs have a topX of the division pt% throughout the entire season and not just for a portion of the season.

That’s a contender.

A contender was the goal of the rebuild right? A confident team with its eyes on the TDL and the playoffs.

I think we can be there as soon as next year — but there are so many things that will change this coming summer that it’s unnecessary to state we’re a contender so hastily. Let’s hope they keep smoking the league, it’s only good.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

We had a bad start. It's still possible that this latest stretch is just a hot streak, but it's been ongoing for some time now. The longer it goes, the more likely it is that the team really is good now.

Even if it is a hot streak it doesn't matter. It's a glimpse into where we're going. We haven't just beaten a bunch of scrubs. We've been beating the best teams in the league.

This year was never about the playoffs. The playoffs are gravy. This was a year where we would evaluate what we had. We always figured we'd be good enough to be in meaningful games and perhaps make 8th spot. That's why the start was so disappointing. The 2nd line just wasn't there and a large part of that was on Dach's injury. Clearly we had to make some kind of a trade to stabilize the right side and that helped tremendously.

Glad we've seen the development happening though. Heineman has emerged as a solid player. Hutson is an up and coming legit superstar. I'm just pissed we didn't get to see Roy. Sending him down during that train wreck was the right move. Right now would've been the ideal time to call him up and I think that's exactly what was going to happen but he got injured so Beck took his spot.

 

[Saundies]

A lot of people here make good points on both sides. If "the rebuild" is a spectrum, we are definitely on the upper end of it.

Lower end:

Tanking for best pick possible
Selling any and all UFAs at the deadline for picks
Development process > game results
Playoffs not even close to an option

I'd say we're clearly out of this phase. If we were out of the "rebuild" all together, we'd be looking to buy at the deadline (selling picks/prospects for UFAs or playoff push help) and we're not quite there yet (unless it makes sense).

Bottom line is that we're in great shape. We have untouchable prospects who are coming (and quick.. Demi/Hage/Probably Reinbacher) and we have other prospects and an abundance of picks that we can look to package to get a really good player/two for the big club to help us into the next tier and not 'ruin' our rebuild.

 

[Scriptor]

The rebuild is done, imo. Not because of our current winning streaks but I knew we were done the moment we drafted Demidov and Hage. Even more now after seeing what Hutson, Dobes, Heineman can do. We don't need another high draft pick, just gotta get the young guys get some NHL experience. There'll be some growing pains for sure but it's all part of the process.

There is still too much uncertainty, IMO, to declare that the rebuild is done because the sample size for Dobes is too small and Heinemann still needs to continue progressing into a more complete player.

Regarding Demidov and, especially, Hage, there is zero sample size right now. Admittedly, Demidov appears to be a special player, but Hage,s path to the NHL iand eventual impact is less certain.

Hutson's performance, both offensively (wow) and defensively is a blessing for a 62nd OA pick at the draft, but expecting Montreal to nab such gens again is far from guaranteed.

If ending the rebuild means having enough players to soon become a playoff team, sure, but if it means becoming a perennial Cup contender, no.

Reinbacher should become a top-4 RHD, but he might not be a legitimate, all around, first pairing RHD?

Having Carrier as a structural addition to play in the top-4 with Guhle is fine, to stabilize the D-Corps, but not the quality RHD we actually need to form one of the better D-Corps in the league.

It's unclear whether we could ice a shutdown pair of Guhle-Reinbacher as half of our top-4 and have an easier time finding a mobile shutdown defenseman as the option to play with Hutson, that being enough because Hutson controls the play on his own?

So, we are definitely missing a RHD still, provided Reinbacher pans out. It's just the quality of that RHD that needs to be determined.

Up front, there are no guarantees that each will round out as a top-6 C because, despite the flashes of dominance, he has, to date in his career, failed to avoid injury and, while;e healthy, failed to display consistency required to be the solution at that position.

If we can sign laine to an extension at the right price, we are that much closer to closing out our top-6. Laine can serve to add the option of signing an UFA in the prime of his career in the form of Ehlers, for example, even if that would shock fans and demote Slafkovsky to a 3rd line role.

Signing an UFA like Ehlers would cost zero in terms of assets other than Cap space and he is peaking at the right time. Besides, there is already a prior chemistry and friendship with Laine.

Assets saved -- namely futures like our two first round picks -- could be used to acquire more skilled depth for the bottom 6, players capable of playing up in the lineup in case of injuries.

Packaging a combination of our first round picks (adding an extra one, maybe, by trading Evans at the trade deadline) could serve to move up at the 2025 draft, perhaps targeting a skilled physical pest like Carter Bear, who can bring a net front presence, or a two-way C with 2nd line upside and a physical game in Caleb Desnoyers (who needs to fill out at 179 lbs, but who also stands tall enough at 6'2").

In three years:

Ehlers - Suzuki - Laine
Caufield - Dach - Demidov
Slafkovsky - Desnoyers/Hage - Hage/Bear
Heineman - Beck - Davidson/F.Xhekaj

 

[Egresch]

In three years:

Ehlers - Suzuki - Laine
Caufield - Dach - Demidov
Slafkovsky - Desnoyers/Hage - Hage/Bear
Heineman - Beck - Davidson/F.Xhekaj

Ehlers would be totally useless to this team. He is not RHD, not 2C, not big, physical, not playoff beast. In three years, there is like 1% chance he would be a better player than Demidov and Slaf. This would be total waste of money. It is not free because you would waste big chunk of your salary cap to something you dont need.
Investing to Neal Pionk would make way more sense. Same age, UFA, RHD...