Proposal: MTL-PIT

[Boss Man Hughes]

My post said he was a bottom pair tough guy, so I don't know why you're disagreeing with me.

We agree on what he is, which is why I said I can see why he'd have appeal around the league. My point was that Mike Sullivan hates those fighter types, so Xhekaj would be in Sullivan's doghouse super fast. Same exact thing happened with Oleksiak when he played for the Penguins.

Because he is more than that. He has a great shot and is capable of putting up points.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Because he is more than that. He has a great shot and is capable of putting up points.

He has 28 career points.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

He has 28 career points.

Right. And he’s capable of putting up more, he has a booming shot that he doesn’t get to use much because he no longer gets any secondary powerplay time in Montreal.

But if he was used in that role, he has Sheldon Souray-esque vibes shot wise. Put him on his off wing and let him tee off and he would put up much higher numbers.

Xhekaj’s an integral part of our team, and his contributions aren’t measured in points. He keeps the opposition honest. The Habs don’t get pushed around anymore. He hits hard and punishes guys in front of the net, and he’s one of the top heavyweights in the league, all while playing 15-20 minutes a night. His teammates love him and he’s a leader. The Habs won’t be dealing him, he means too much to the team.

 

[Ford Prefect]

I understand that you don't watch much Habs hockey but Kirby Dach's been a lot better these last few weeks. Laine scored a 5on5 goal recently and Hutson leads all NHL rookies in points.

I'm going to guess I was a fan since before you were a glean in your father's eye. I know he's been playing better lately, just as I know he had the worst +/- in the league after the quarter pole and one of the worst metrics in the league. I'm as hopeful as any one that he continues to find his form and becomes the player that the Habs were hoping for when they invested so much capital in him.

Buuuuut... I can also call a spade a spade. And it was funny.

 

[Ford Prefect]

Habs are not giving up on Dach and Xhekaj for that type of return. It's too far off to make any counter offer. If anything, we are open to Crosby coming to Montreal (a team he cheered for as a kid). In this case, I am not sure what we send back. It might be Dach and picks.

Xhekaj has really focused on playing sound D this year. He was a bit guilty of focusing on "fighting" and protecting players too much. He's been great over the last 20+ games now that he is focusing on his primary job which is playing D.

Dach has had two big injuries setting his development back. It's possible we would have him on the table for a center upgrade but don't fool yourself, we are not low on Dach's potential. We are just wondering how long it takes him to get there. He's been playing very well for 10+ games.

Habs decline. Rakell is not needed on our roster. We already have loads of picks to come. And Ponomarev is more of what we already have in our pool.

Quasi-generational players who sign retirement deals to stick with the only team they've ever played for don't tend to be moved for picks and prospects.