Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2024-25: Re-Tool, Re-Group, Re-Mix, Re-Build

[SI]

My GREAT hope is that moving a Mayfield or Pageau would not be something Lou feels is achieved by paying someone draft picks.

I have always despised that and yet exactly that has been his modi operandi on several occasions.

We don't need anything in return. Just move out those contracts and if need be, take something minimal ($$$) in return.

These are still usable players.



I've wondered if a Montreal could use his 3 years at 3.5 per in return for Anderson's 2 years at 5.5 MM?



The blueline is interesting.

It all starts with Dobson. Do you lock him in at market value? Do you move him as a highly desirable and tradeable asset? Does he get a 1-year bridgedeal and if so, why risk that?

Do you re-up DeAngelo? Roy leans on him like the ne plus ultra.

Do you keep Boqvist (likely) and Perunovich (looking unlikely) in the fold?

Do you keep each of Pelech, Mayfield, and Pulock, 'cause it looks like at least one needs to go? (I've already argued that Pulock and Mayfield should boht be moved.)

Romanov is an RFA and he's now the most important guy we've got.

Reilly? I'd like to keep him but that will surely hinge on what happens with the others.

George looks like the one kid who could step in but his understandable struggles before being sent down mean that he's prolly only being seen as a #6/7 option, if that.

Bolduc seems to be completely out of the plans while Warren and Odelius surely need more seasoning (particularly the latter).

So, what happens here?

I think Pageau has value and more so when he only has 1 season left with the cap rising to 95.5, so I no longer believe this applies. Losing Nelson and Pageau and not replacing them is concerning if this team is to compete next season, which is the mission. So, I can see JGP on the roster next season. There is nothing of real value on the UFA market unless the plan is to sign the bottom 6 players like Appleton and Frederic.

For Mayfield, I think there are some injury concerns long term, but he has rebounded well this season. It looks as if he has fallen out of favour with Roy rather than performance. RHD is always something teams like to have. I can see Nashville, Colorado (they can move Manson in a separate deal), Buffalo, Edmonton, Detroit, and Seattle could all use someone like Mayfield. Where I feel the contract is an obstacle would be on return - happy to take nothing or future considerations.

I would be happy with George and Boqvist battling for the 6th spot next season - I really liked what I saw with George, if they grab another body, then George can continue development and provide depth when injury strikes. Reilly only if it is for the same contract value.

A larger post is coming to how this team can get younger, but it will require trading any big pieces - it will be more Romanov-type deals - 2025 1st and 2nd up for grabs in the right deal.

Josh Anderson has way more value to Montreal than Engvall - 2m cap savings does nothing for them. He is useful. Gallagher could be another story, but he has all types of trade protection.

 

[SI]

there's no more medium/bridge deals for Dobson; he's an RFA with arbitration rights this year. He can get a one year deal and walk to UFA. I'm afraid this summer is put up or shut up time with Dobson. Given Chychrun just got 9 million for 8 years, I'd have to think that's probably the ballpark for Dobson.

I still think 8x8 is the deal, maybe as high as 8x8.5.
Lou should lock it up or trade Dobson and Duclair for MacTavish and Zellweger

 

[Isles72]

Dobson's probably going to get 10.5 x 8 whether its with the isles or elsewhere

 

[SI]

Dobson's probably going to get 10.5 x 8 whether its with the isles or elsewhere

CHychrun just got 9 - he is not getting more than that.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

You despise that like I despise signing players to stupid term just to buy them out after 2 seasons.

That's very much worth despising as well!

 

[MJF]

Dobson's probably going to get 10.5 x 8 whether its with the isles or elsewhere

Dobson has played roughly 130 less games than Chychrun and is still an RFA coming off a poor season. I can’t see Noah getting a Chychrun contract.

 

[Throttle]

Dobson's probably going to get 10.5 x 8 whether its with the isles or elsewhere

Good luck to another team on that. He’s got 4 points in his last 4 games AND a -5. The isles busted wins into extra minutes in that same stretch. Hm…

Watch OT last night, Isles controlled the puck until…Dobson thought he was Doughty and turned it over for the ice to tilt towards CLB.

Good riddance. Trade him for a forward before getting stuck with that contract.

 

[periferal]

CHychrun just got 9 - he is not getting more than that.

Dobson's not worth it, but if he his unrestricted free agency in his 20's I'm be pretty confident someone would overpay for him - Especially with the cap going up. Teams finally have room to do so and his upside and shot is something that rarely ever hits the market.

 

[doublechili]

Dobson really comes down to his contract, and I can see them deciding the prudent move is to trade him for another asset. This is assuming they can re-sign TDA. Last night TDA had 26:26 of ice time to lead the team. Dobson had 21:29. If they're content with TDA as the #1 RHD, do you pay your #2 RHD $9M? Obviously Dobson has a longer timeline, but the idea of signing him for 8 years coming off this season gives me agita. And if you sign him to a shorter deal, then he has a shorter timeline too.

 

[MJF]

Ask the Oilers about giving $9M/yr to a defenseman,

 

[JJ18Sniper]

I have a tough time with Dobson and the contract numbers he's likely pushing for.
You're constantly praying he just figures it out and gets consistency across his game...

-He's an offensive minded defenseman.
-He doesnt have quick feet or hands at the blueline to be a real threat as a QB on a powerplay.
-Defensive positioning mistakes seem to happen often.
-He has size, but isn't known for using it.

He seems to see the ice well and when he's 'on' he's a driver for offense.

It's not the ideal mix of a #1 defenseman or one to lead your D-core in AAV.

Another bridge deal will lead him to UFA, but it's something they need to consider if they don't see his game rounding out. Obviously a trade is also an option but it leaves a hole.

 

[islesfan3913]

CHychrun just got 9 - he is not getting more than that.

Not saying you’re wrong, but I’m curious why you think that. Dobson is a year younger, a right handed shot, doesn’t have the injury history that Chychrun has, and also produces offensively at a higher rate over the course of their careers. All Chychrun has over him is being a better defender which is for sure important, but I can’t imagine many teams will just ignore all of those positives for Dobson when it comes to handing him a contract.

 

[isles55]

Anything under $10mil for Dobson is a steal.

 

[Throttle]

Dobson really comes down to his contract, and I can see them deciding the prudent move is to trade him for another asset. This is assuming they can re-sign TDA. Last night TDA had 26:26 of ice time to lead the team. Dobson had 21:29. If they're content with TDA as the #1 RHD, do you pay your #2 RHD $9M? Obviously Dobson has a longer timeline, but the idea of signing him for 8 years coming off this season gives me agita. And if you sign him to a shorter deal, then he has a shorter timeline too.

Roy wants TDA resigned based on how he is playing him. Lou likes reclamation projects, but draws the line. My guess is TDA gets a 3-4 year deal at $3.5 p/yr.

I’ll take TDAs defensive mistakes at that price over Dobson and his defensive mistakes at $8/9M. Didn’t Roy bench Dobson in the last 2 minutes last night of a tie game? Or was that a matchup thing?

TDA gets big love from me bc he took a slap shot on a pseudo breakaway the other game.

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

Dobson really comes down to his contract, and I can see them deciding the prudent move is to trade him for another asset. This is assuming they can re-sign TDA. Last night TDA had 26:26 of ice time to lead the team. Dobson had 21:29. If they're content with TDA as the #1 RHD, do you pay your #2 RHD $9M? Obviously Dobson has a longer timeline, but the idea of signing him for 8 years coming off this season gives me agita. And if you sign him to a shorter deal, then he has a shorter timeline too.

Signing players based on who this fickle coach likes this week seems like a bad idea.

 

[Kevin27nyi]

Roy wants TDA resigned based on how he is playing him. Lou likes reclamation projects, but draws the line. My guess is TDA gets a 3-4 year deal at $3.5 p/yr.

I’ll take TDAs defensive mistakes at that price over Dobson and his defensive mistakes at $8/9M. Didn’t Roy bench Dobson in the last 2 minutes last night of a tie game? Or was that a matchup thing?

TDA gets big love from me bc he took a slap shot on a pseudo breakaway the other game.

I can support TDA at the same point production as Dobson at half the cost and using Dobson to upgrade the forwards.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Don't scoff at the thought of Beauvillier getting a 2nd stint here. Loyal Lou believes in his players.

I haven't. Truth is, he's been looking good with the Capitals and I can VERY much see Lou knocking on his door this offseason.

Wouldn't have to sell the location or his teammates... And I see no reason he can't be a reliable 3rd/4th line performer.

I am not disagreeing with any of points except the thought of retaining Hudson Fasching next season, but I will add Isaiah George to the mix of BPT players you mentioned. He and Bolduc (yes Bolduc) are playing well now and should be given chances to win a spot on the D in September.

I'm likely dainted by his recent play not being all that terrible. But I'd love to see him upgraded upon.

Damn shame that none of these guys like Gauthier, Foudy, or Karlsson could show themselves to be better options by this point in the season.

This said, I could naturally provide a list of players in his price category that I'd rather see here. And at some point, a prospect has to be worked in. Just think Hudson's the type of easy depth retention signing that Lou will make.

I mean, Lou's got a lot of RFA situations to deal with, several in-house UFA decisions of importance, living up to his own words about "making changes", and then whatever the draft and free agency entail.

That's a heavy offseason for him, so re-upping Fasching seems like one of the easiest things he could do.

 

[Throttle]

Anything under $10mil for Dobson is a steal.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

there's no more medium/bridge deals for Dobson; he's an RFA with arbitration rights this year. He can get a one year deal and walk to UFA. I'm afraid this summer is put up or shut up time with Dobson. Given Chychrun just got 9 million for 8 years, I'd have to think that's probably the ballpark for Dobson.

His agent will be making demands in that ballpark. No doubt.

The Dobson situation is a huge task for management.

They have to get this right. It's turning into the most vital business affair.

And guess what?

All the other RFAs are arbitration eligible as well.

Romanov, Holmstrom, and Tsyplakov are keys among them.

 

[impaaaaaact]

Wonder what the market for Tony D is. On pace for 49 points pro rated

I bet he signs here for 2M or less. He's back in the NHL, close to home, and playing 24 minutes a night. With his track record he can't expect anyone to hand out a long term deal, and the grass is pretty green for him here right now. A Lou Lamoriello re-signing could go a long way in restoring his image to the rest of the league

 

[ekill08x]

I bet he signs here for 2M or less. He's back in the NHL, close to home, and playing 24 minutes a night. With his track record he can't expect anyone to hand out a long term deal, and the grass is pretty green for him here right now. A Lou Lamoriello re-signing could go a long way in restoring his image to the rest of the league

Yeah I really hope hes back. He has been a nice addition.

 

[impaaaaaact]

Give Dobson a medium/bridge deal.

I'd much rather pay players a little extra AFTER they've PROVEN they are the goods...Rather than trying to lock in extra years for a guy who's still trying to figure it out/far from consistent.

At his full potential Dobson is probably a 9M/year defenseman. However he's only had 1 season even close to that potential, and more recently he's been playing like a 5M defenseman.

And just saying, "But the cap is going up," is not a reason to overpay any player. The "cap going up" gives GMs like Lou more breathing room to get out of their mistakes...And I don't want to see him make another one.

I mean he put up a 70 point season last year. There are two forwards on our roster who have put up 70 point seasons. He's proven himself, whipping boy or not. He's getting a long term deal, 9M+ I would imagine

 

[impaaaaaact]

Yeah I really hope hes back. He has been a nice addition.

Me too. Having a basically free 50 point defenseman has been a welcome change. Imagine if the PP actually scored any points? He might be on track for 60, which is something he's done twice before in his career and wouldn't be out of character.

In other news, was at the game last night and I have never been to a professional sports arena that empty. Maybe there were times at the barn where there were the same amount of people... but UBS is so much larger. Ownership's gotta be calling for big moves in the near future

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

I think Pageau has value and more so when he only has 1 season left with the cap rising to 95.5, so I no longer believe this applies. Losing Nelson and Pageau and not replacing them is concerning if this team is to compete next season, which is the mission. So, I can see JGP on the roster next season. There is nothing of real value on the UFA market unless the plan is to sign the bottom 6 players like Appleton and Frederic.

Frederic is going to get PAIDDDD.

But yes, he's certainly a player I can see Lou being enamored with.

I know some might not like this but I can see Roslovic or Dvorak being targets for Lou if he could bring one in on a 2-year deal.

For Mayfield, I think there are some injury concerns long term, but he has rebounded well this season. It looks as if he has fallen out of favour with Roy rather than performance. RHD is always something teams like to have. I can see Nashville, Colorado (they can move Manson in a separate deal), Buffalo, Edmonton, Detroit, and Seattle could all use someone like Mayfield. Where I feel the contract is an obstacle would be on return - happy to take nothing or future considerations.

Hoping you're right.

Think you are.

I would be happy with George and Boqvist battling for the 6th spot next season - I really liked what I saw with George, if they grab another body, then George can continue development and provide depth when injury strikes. Reilly only if it is for the same contract value.

If Roy stays as coach, I think he'll want Lou to keep Boqvist around.

And George is part of this moving forward - if he doesn't end up being part of a trade.

A larger post is coming to how this team can get younger, but it will require trading any big pieces - it will be more Romanov-type deals - 2025 1st and 2nd up for grabs in the right deal.

If always is...

Looking forward to see what players you're eyeing.

Josh Anderson has way more value to Montreal than Engvall - 2m cap savings does nothing for them. He is useful. Gallagher could be another story, but he has all types of trade protection.

Just off hand, in referring to Anderson, I mentioned Duclair, not Engvall.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Dobson really comes down to his contract, and I can see them deciding the prudent move is to trade him for another asset. This is assuming they can re-sign TDA. Last night TDA had 26:26 of ice time to lead the team. Dobson had 21:29. If they're content with TDA as the #1 RHD, do you pay your #2 RHD $9M? Obviously Dobson has a longer timeline, but the idea of signing him for 8 years coming off this season gives me agita. And if you sign him to a shorter deal, then he has a shorter timeline too.

The way DeAngelo has been used these past few weeks, it'd be SHOCKING if they don't keep him around.

Roy 'n co. obviously trust him out there - in just about every situation.