We currently draft 13th, but only 3 points from drafting 7th.
Montreal is a 5-game losing streak (no loser points) away from being in the mix for a lottery win (that's only three more regulation losses away.
It doesn't take away from the awesome play they have put up on the season stretch that has historically destroyed this team's aspirations.
Losing Guhle will hurt us long term, but could give us a boost in effort for the short term, further giving the illusion that we could still make the playoffs.
However, long term, on a D that lacks high end depth, Guhle's absence for the rest of the season and beyond (as per DeepDeek)
will impact negatively our hopes of making the playoffs.
Hughes needs to recognize that and use the absence of Guhle to make the players accept that the trade deadline will be the time to move veteran players that won't be part of the Habs when they are finally in the playoff mix, year after year.
Dvorak will be gone by season's end, even if not at the trade deadline since it isn't certain that any team will make a move for Dvorak, even at 50%.
Armia would certainly interest a team looking for strong forechecking, PK prowess and puck protection during the playoffs.
Savard seems to be of interest for a team looking for defensive depth on the right side (rumours mention Edmonton), but the return likely won't be that high, IMO (not even a 2nd rounder), and, with Guhle out, Hughes might ride out Savard's contract and cut ties with the veteran during the offseason, depending on what transpires after the season and whether Hughes acquires another veteran or NHL-ready righty at that time?
Matheson won't be moved at this deadline because he eats up so many difficult minutes and replacing such a D, especially with Guhle out indefinitely, is extremely hard to do.
That leaves Evans as a potential trade asset.
IMO, of the players that could get moved at this deadline, given his career season so far and the fact that, age-wise, he is currently in his prime, Evans would be worth a valuable 1st round pick (even if that ends up being a late round pick).
Still, considering that Evans would likely still be good for another 6 years or so, if he avoids another wonky, Hughes might consider re-signing him as a depth C that could be elite on the 4th line and replace an injured #C if necessary.
Even if Dach were to confirm that he can occupy the 2C position (yet to happen, outside of some flashes), what would be the NHL-ready C-depth on the Habs with both Dvorak and Evans gone next season?
It's uncertain whether Beck or Kapanen would be ready next season? There's always Newhook who could be a serviceable, but not ideal, option as 3C. Considering he likely gets bumped off the 2nd line with Demidov's arrival, that could be a likely option.
If the goal was making the playoffs, rather than progressing OA as a team, I'd opt for re-signing Evans as a 4th line C option that can cover for the 3C position if necessary:
Suzuki
Dach
Newhook
Evans
If the goal is giving a chance to a young C and letting Kapanen and Beck battle it out, or a pick at the 2025 draft, if we end up selecting top-10 and land a promising C like Desnoyers (if not a lottery treasure like Misa or Hagens), I nab the extra first round pick by moving Evans:
Suzuki
Dach
Newhook
Beck/Kapanen/Desnoyers