If you had a choice, who would you rather have, Dubois or Barzal?
Tough choice.
Barzal is a game breaking forward. He's had 1 really good season, 1 ok season and his current season is pretty good.
He would likely cost 11 mill for an offer sheet over 7 years, so 4 1st rounders. That's all rather expensive. Gotta ask yourself if you'd trade Caufield, Kotkaniemi, Poehling and Sergachev for him. Then again, would the team finish out of playoffs 3 out if 4 years.
If the habs did offer sheet him and get him, Domi is gone if he isn't already. Say he brings back Anderson and either picks, or nothing else to keep things simple. Habs only have Mete to sign who's of any significance and he's not really significant. With 20.9 mill (not including Alzner being sent down freeing up around 1 mill) Montreal can sign Barzal (11) and Anderson (6.5, probably less, but just going high) and still have around 1 (2) mill for any callups.
I personally would also trade one of the bottom.6 guys (Lehkonen, Byron) for another player with size. Just to make sure we have some people incase people try to take liberties with Barzal.
Now, let's look at PLD.
His point total wasn't very impressive this year, but likely would have hit 20 for the 3rd consecutive year.
His team lost Panarin (Duchene) and former 40 goal scorer Atkinson has 12 this year. They have 3 players with 40, or more points including PLD leading the team at 49. They played a more defensive style. For comparison, Montreal has 6, including Tatar in the 60s, who could be a winger for PLD.
Dubois would likely cost 10.5 at 5 years. 500k less and 2 less years for him over Barzal ? Doesn't look too good.
However, Dubois would be that big number 1 centre who has shown he has game breaking talent and take a little longer to break out.
Again, with the acquisition of him, Domi is gone, so you could go the Anderson route, or a LHD.
Dubois would get better wingers to play with in Drouin*, Tatar, Gallagher, Suzuki and possibly Caufield in a season, or two.
Wouldn't be surprised if Dubois got to a 30/30 player and if we can get him a high end talent, could be a ppg player.
In short, both have their advantages, but if the team doesn't surround them at least somewhat properly, it's just a waste.
I also think Montreal could potentially pry Dubois away via trade than Barzal. Offering up their 1st this year, plus a 1at next year, Domi and other picks/prospects/roster players. Columbus has 15 mill in space with Dubois and Anderson as players of importance that are rfa/ufa. They likely know Dubois will be a target and it's better to get what you're going to get plus a centre that can play now than 2 1sts that will likely end up being 15th.
Montreal would pay a little more to acquire him than offer sheet him to potentially get his contract less and for longer than 5 years.
That said, expect nothing and you'll be pleasantly surprised if anything does happen