In some sense, I think they are living in reality here and where they are in the standings is always going to dictate what happens.
But that being said, Basu had mentioned in his podcast that this seems like the last year they want to do that to Caufield/Suzuki where they are standing in front of cameras talking about a guy like Monahan/Toffoli/Lehkonen leaving.
There will be SOME trades that still happen, they have to make room for the youth coming up but it won't be a straight sell move like we've seen.
For sure they know where they stand and what the plan is going forward. This management team was burdened from the previous one and it's taking time to clean it up.
What intrigues me is that that prior to the Christmas break,Montreal was only 5 or so points from a playoff spot.Not to be argumentative but the devils advocate,had they dedicated to icing the best roster possible and making a trade to get a top player and sat or waived deadwood,how would it have played out and how would they have fared.
I know they have a plan but I prefer playoff hockey than not. And tanking,they did that last season with debatable methods and results and this season is similar.
Next season should substantially be a marked improvement,if they can stay healthy and intact for a change. They have now a solid line with Nick,Slaf and Cole. Dach in the lineup and they should have another very decent line as well. With the abundance of assets that they have. that can cover a bottom 6 and moves to be made and the defense will be that much more experienced.