Rumor: Teams interested in Lehkonen, Kulak, and Drouin

[Sasha Orlov]

Can’t imagine who would actually have interest in Drouin, he is so useless I hate him like he personally wronged me

 

[waitin425]

Lehkonen to Pittsburgh for Poulin

Drouin + Harris to Colorado for Girard

Kulak to Calgary for 3rd rd pick 2023
(but only after Calgary misses out on Chiarot)

because....

Chiarot to St Louis for 1st 2023

Out: Lehks, Drouin, Kulak, Chiarot, Harris
In: Girard, Poulin, 1st 2023 and 3rd 2023

 

[danyhabsfan]

I heard Guy Boucher bring a fun factoid to a radio show yesterday; when you get to the later rounds, the chances to draft players that will at least play a game are close enough after round 2 to make it worth trading one pick (say 3rd) for two of the lower tier (say 4th in this case). That is why you will see in some teams that have strong scouting (TB was the example listed) and development would prefer to have quantity over quality.

adversely, this would also mean that a team like the habs, who have accumulated draft picks for the last 2 years and the next, coudl potentially find dance partners to consolidate these choices into higher ranking drafts, as they are nearing the maximum number of contracts they can award. I was a little skeptical, so i looked it up the below is something i foudn on Hockey Answered, and reflects percentages of players who played at least one game in the NHL between 2004 and 2020.

Since the board seems to be somewhat agreeing with a return for lekhonen between a 2nd (which seems to be his perceived value) and a 1st (which is what seems to be the ask to pry him out of Mtl), then it becomes interesting to see where a 2nd and B prospect leads to.

I think the habs are going to look at adding veterans so that they can send some of the youth at Laval to build up "winning" there, so i think Lek gets a roster player as part of any deal, plus an add.

View attachment 502059

Maybe I'm missing something but those data seems way off.

 

[Colezuki]

Well you really just debunked my rumour with a rumour so not really a great argument either. I’m just saying, I think all 3 have some sort of a value, but there’s a good likelihood they’re also pumping up who’s interested and for what. Media is used in negotiations you see it all the time.

I debunked your made-up rumor from a random hf poster, with a rumor of a noted hockey insider with some credibility.

Your statement is "this is the habs pumping there players value", Seravalli's statement is "Three teams are begging the habs to get their hands on lehk". I trust seravalli's opinion on this topic that other teams are asking about Lehk. Kulak I can agree on but Lehk came from nowhere

 

[Extra Texture]

Drouin's contract is only this year and next so retention is probably doable considering we likely won't be good next year either.

Picks/Prospects are the target. Short term cap dumps can also be taken provided appropriate payment.

Ahh, okay. I figured with your cap there was no way you could take money back, but I guess if Weber is on perpetual LTIR then you should be fine financially.

Pick(s) and yes they retain for next year also. so Drouin at 2.75

I don't even know if we would need that much. Teddy Blueger is going to be on LTIR for a bit with a broken jaw. That would give us about 4M at the deadline, but that doesn't include others moves that should be made (namely a new backup). With him out, Carter probably shifts back to 3C, but it would be great to have another adaptable player to give us more scoring punch that could slide up and down the lineup.

Honestly, its a bit of a catch 22. I'd love to make such a move in the same vein as Carter, giving up a few assets banking on a return to form with a new team. But there are no real flaws in the forward group, and it's probably not a good idea to mess with chemistry the way the team is rolling. Unless the Habs have an interest in a pure "change of scenery" swap for Zucker (with a sweetner) and I'm guessing that's a 'no'.

 

[glenbuis]

The red wings are near the end of their rebuild. Montreal is just entering it and don't have Yzerman. So just look at how long red wings have been bad, it'll be at least that long for Montreal plus a few more years.

will see

 

[Captain97]

Ahh, okay. I figured with your cap there was no way you could take money back, but I guess if Weber is on perpetual LTIR then you should be fine financially.



I don't even know if we would need that much. Teddy Blueger is going to be on LTIR for a bit with a broken jaw. That would give us about 4M at the deadline, but that doesn't include others moves that should be made (namely a new backup). With him out, Carter probably shifts back to 3C, but it would be great to have another adaptable player to give us more scoring punch that could slide up and down the lineup.

Honestly, its a bit of a catch 22. I'd love to make such a move in the same vein as Carter, giving up a few assets banking on a return to form with a new team. But there are no real flaws in the forward group, and it's probably not a good idea to mess with chemistry the way the team is rolling. Unless the Habs have an interest in a pure "change of scenery" swap for Zucker (with a sweetner) and I'm guessing that's a 'no'.

Personally I don't hate Zucker+ for Drouin would just have to figure out the plus and if the Habs have to retain on Drouin.

 

[glenbuis]

You guys haven’t won a Cup in what is likely your entire lifetime. We have the top two rookies in the league standings it’s even more high end prospects on the way. You sure you’d rather be a Habs fan right now than a Wings fan?

in my lifetime i've seen more cups go to montreal than detroit . montreal is not entertaining a rebuild like detroit did . we have 5-6 core pieces . we have solid prospects. we have extra picks . we're gonna have a top 5 pick this year . we also have tradeable assets that will add to the rebuild . just because we've had 20 plus guys on the injured list a few times this year, don't think it's not a one off .

 

[glenbuis]

The red wings are near the end of their rebuild. Montreal is just entering it and don't have Yzerman. So just look at how long red wings have been bad, it'll be at least that long for Montreal plus a few more years.

near the end of their rebuild ? you should set your sights much higher

 

[The90]

I debunked your made-up rumor from a random hf poster, with a rumor of a noted hockey insider with some credibility.

Your statement is "this is the habs pumping there players value", Seravalli's statement is "Three teams are begging the habs to get their hands on lehk". I trust seravalli's opinion on this topic that other teams are asking about Lehk. Kulak I can agree on but Lehk came from nowhere

That may be, but the words from a source of a a source is still a rumour. Let’s not pretend like these guys also aren’t frequently wrong…

 

[The90]

in my lifetime i've seen more cups go to montreal than detroit . montreal is not entertaining a rebuild like detroit did . we have 5-6 core pieces . we have solid prospects. we have extra picks . we're gonna have a top 5 pick this year . we also have tradeable assets that will add to the rebuild . just because we've had 20 plus guys on the injured list a few times this year, don't think it's not a one off .

Detroit is ahead of montreal right now in nhl ready talent though. The thing about a rebuild is that you need to actually develop these players. It’s great to have all these picks but if none of them turn into great players they’re pointless. Montreal has a new regime in charge so the jury is out on how players will develop, but it can’t be any worse than the past couple decades.

 

[BatVader]

Drouin to LA for a 4th… let Bergevin deal with his garbage

 

[HabsForHire]

Drouin to LA for a 4th… let Bergevin deal with his garbage

Send gally with him

 

[Breakers]

Wasn’t drouin just put on LTIR this morning.

 

[Colezuki]

Wasn’t drouin just put on LTIR this morning.

It's the canadiens its a safer bet there all in protocol and LTIR then they're playing this year

 

[Gaud]

Maybe I'm missing something but those data seems way off.

do you mean the actual percentage of players that play? I had the same reaction, but then i noted that the stats are based on "at least one nhl game played"

 

[montreal]

Kulak has some value. He has played 23 playoff games in the last 2 years.
If a guy like Scandella can get you a 2nd and a 4th then Kulak can easily get you a shocked 5th at the least.

I think Scandella is a good bit better but I haven't seen him since he was a Hab and I was never much of a Kulak fan. Would be happy if we got a 5th, anything above that is gravy and I feel sorry for the team if they pay more then that. Although that said I guess it comes down to what kind of market the trade deadline is as some years you just shake your head at the crazy overpay teams are willing to do.

Drouin yes - it is hard to see how a contender could fit him under the cap for this year and next.

Kulak - UFA Dman. Easily movable for a pick and contenders are always looking for depth, especially on D. Wouldn't be surprised to see him dealt for at least a 5th, maybe even a 4th.

I hope so, as teams are always looking for depth on D for the playoffs but he is so bland, but would be great to get anything for him.

 

[glenbuis]

Detroit is ahead of montreal right now in nhl ready talent though. The thing about a rebuild is that you need to actually develop these players. It’s great to have all these picks but if none of them turn into great players they’re pointless. Montreal has a new regime in charge so the jury is out on how players will develop, but it can’t be any worse than the past couple decades.

it's not like we're dealing from ground zero here though . suzuki romanov caufield gruhle our number one this year is a solid core . we have another solid 6-10 prospects only a couple years away . we can keep guys like toffoli anderson dvorak armia lehkonen if we like . will find new homes for the over priced vets and that cap space will become plentiful . i get a kick out of hab haters thinking it's a bare cup board . it's far far from that .

 

[glenbuis]

I think Scandella is a good bit better but I haven't seen him since he was a Hab and I was never much of a Kulak fan. Would be happy if we got a 5th, anything above that is gravy and I feel sorry for the team if they pay more then that. Although that said I guess it comes down to what kind of market the trade deadline is as some years you just shake your head at the crazy overpay teams are willing to do.



I hope so, as teams are always looking for depth on D for the playoffs but he is so bland, but would be great to get anything for him.

we should try to upgrade a pick with him . kulak and a fifth for a contenders third . roughly 129 pick for the 96th type thing

 

[The90]

it's not like we're dealing from ground zero here though . suzuki romanov caufield gruhle our number one this year is a solid core . we have another solid 6-10 prospects only a couple years away . we can keep guys like toffoli anderson dvorak armia lehkonen if we like . will find new homes for the over priced vets and that cap space will become plentiful . i get a kick out of hab haters thinking it's a bare coup board . it's far far from that .

I don’t think it’s bare at all. Just like detroits young class a bit more. I just feel like they have the potential to be a bit more high end. We’ll see though. Caufield is one that’s due to snap out of his funk any day now just needs a few bounces to go his way to get the confidence up.

 

[glenbuis]

I don’t think it’s bare at all. Just like detroits young class a bit more. I just feel like they have the potential to be a bit more high end. We’ll see though. Caufield is one that’s due to snap out of his funk any day now just needs a few bounces to go his way to get the confidence up.

caufield will be fine . he's in his sophomore slump season . his initial success in the playoffs may have led to a bit of overconfidence. he'll be producing much better to get to better paydays . i see him comfortably as a #2 rw for years with suzuki as his center . nailing shane wright for our future 1c is what's needed

 

[GirardSpinorama]

it's not like we're dealing from ground zero here though . suzuki romanov caufield gruhle our number one this year is a solid core . we have another solid 6-10 prospects only a couple years away . we can keep guys like toffoli anderson dvorak armia lehkonen if we like . will find new homes for the over priced vets and that cap space will become plentiful . i get a kick out of hab haters thinking it's a bare cup board . it's far far from that .

Caufield hasn't done much this year. Suzuki and Romanov are good pieces but not the best D and C you want to have on a good team. Guhle is just another prospect that most teams have.

Detroit has Seider and Raymond that can be the D and LW on a good team, they are already good.

 

[nbwingsfan]

near the end of their rebuild ? you should set your sights much higher

Already getting closer to the playoffs, two of of our top prospects haven’t played a game in the NHL yet. Our best top two young players are in their first season and we’re about to have like ~$30M in cap space and zero brutal contracts like the Habs have… yeah we’re way ahead.

Part of the reason the rebuild has gone pretty much on track was getting rid of redundant players that weren’t going to help us when it matters. That, and using picks properly since Yzerman has got here

 

[danyhabsfan]

do you mean the actual percentage of players that play? I had the same reaction, but then i noted that the stats are based on "at least one nhl game played"

pretty sure the stats are off even if it's only 1 game played.

 

[Kobe Armstrong]

Seattle could have had him for free. Basically every team could have had him for free with only two years left. Unless you’re retaining half no one would take him as is. At 50% you’ll probably get a 3rd, if you’re lucky a 2nd.

He’s not a top 6 player on a contender and not a bottom 6 player

I agree with just about everything you're saying. However I think there are a couple teams that would take his contract at full value at the deadline if they don't have to give up much value. Retaining half obviously makes him a much better trade chip, but it's not like he's overpaid by much right now. Montreal can also just wait a season to trade him when his value will be much higher in the last year of his deal.. Just because teams could've had him for free at the start of the season doesn't mean anything, deadline cap space is much different that start of season cap space.

If a team has space, might as well take a free chance at a motivated Drouin for the playoff run, especially when they only have to commit to him for one more season. Think of the Lucic contract, nobody would touch that 2 years ago and nobody would give much value for him now, but next deadline he could probably fetch a first if Calgary decides to trade him.