The state of the Habs Rebuild - The Next step

[Jurivan Demidovsky]

This sounds a lot like hope and prayers.

The hockey Gods owe us and have started delivering.

This sounds a lot like hope and prayers.

If you're concerned about a quick turn around i would pump the brakes a bit. This is gonna take more time to fix.

 

[Leto]

I wouldn’t outright dismiss us getting a top 5 pick. The tough part of the schedule starts after Christmas.

It'll come down to the last game of the season. The margin between being ''in da mix'' and a top 3-10 pick is really thin. The top 3 was unreachable in 2023 and 2024, but we secured the 5th spot basically at the last game of the season in 2023 and 2024.

I'd say the top 3 is still realistic at this juncture of the season.​

 

[overlords]

They brought Breezer out to do f***ing mayo commercials

 

[Sorinth]

Dach and Slafkovsky should be job #1 for the staff. Both were acquired as key parts of the rebuild. Getting them back on track would be huge. Both are playing scared and nowhere close to where they were previously. Addressing that issue is exactly what development & coaching is about. Successful rebuilds work with players to get the most out of them. Failed rebuilds let struggling players flounder and move onto the next pick.

Dach is showing signs of life. Slafkovsky needs to engage without dishing off the puck when another player gets close. If these two players get back to where they were, this would be a different team.

I would even argue that Slaf is a clear priority #1. If Dach fails it hurts but we have options and his contract doesn't handcuff us. If Slaf fails that's not only a tougher replacement for us, it kills a ton of cap flexibility.

So that means Slaf on the top line regardless of how much the 2nd line struggles which kind of sucks for Laine but that's life in the NHL, it's not always fair.

2. Assuming Dach fails (and this is the assumption a GM has to make going into next offseason if Dach can't regain his form), we have one good NHL centerman signed for next season. If we want to avoid another wrecked campaign and make a step forward, the position will require some major restructuring.

The wrench here is what happens if Dach has a strong second half of the season. Like suppose he puts up 30 points over the last 40 games? There's still the risk that he's just very inconsistent and we might have a repeat, but I'm not sure spending assets to trade for a real top-6 center makes much sense either. Maybe going for a cap dump middle six guy like Henrique would be the way to balance the risk.

But yes if Dach doesn't turn it around then we should aim for a vet top-6 C.

 

[nhlfan9191]

It'll come down to the last game of the season. The margin between being ''in da mix'' and a top 3-10 pick is really thin. The top 3 was unreachable in 2023 and 2024, but we secured the 5th spot basically at the last game of the season in 2023 and 2024.

I'd say the top 3 is still realistic at this juncture of the season.​

I think you’ll start seeing some separation between the bottom of the league and bubble playoff teams in the second half of the season. Especially around and after the trade deadline.

 

[Archijerej]

The wrench here is what happens if Dach has a strong second half of the season. Like suppose he puts up 30 points over the last 40 games? There's still the risk that he's just very inconsistent and we might have a repeat, but I'm not sure spending assets to trade for a real top-6 center makes much sense either. Maybe going for a cap dump middle six guy like Henrique would be the way to balance the risk.

But yes if Dach doesn't turn it around then we should aim for a vet top-6 C.

I he does something like that, then it justifies continuing the experiment next season imo.

 

[GTA]

I would even argue that Slaf is a clear priority #1. If Dach fails it hurts but we have options and his contract doesn't handcuff us. If Slaf fails that's not only a tougher replacement for us, it kills a ton of cap flexibility.

So that means Slaf on the top line regardless of how much the 2nd line struggles which kind of sucks for Laine but that's life in the NHL, it's not always fair.

The wrench here is what happens if Dach has a strong second half of the season. Like suppose he puts up 30 points over the last 40 games? There's still the risk that he's just very inconsistent and we might have a repeat, but I'm not sure spending assets to trade for a real top-6 center makes much sense either. Maybe going for a cap dump middle six guy like Henrique would be the way to balance the risk.

But yes if Dach doesn't turn it around then we should aim for a vet top-6 C.

What would a vet top 6 C do for us - turn us into an average team? Suzuki + that player is not the center lineup of a true cup contender. If we want to become a Stanley cup contender, we need a close to elite center at a minimum. The only way to get that is to build through the draft - any bandage stop gap that prevents this is hurting the team by pushing us to the middle.

 

[TennisMenace]

I have to agree with one brother here….our rebuild primarily could be successful if these two guys would stop playing like dog Pooh, and start playing like 1st round draft picks. Slaf and Dach…

I’m at a loss for words for how and why these two guys are not progressing as we all would expect them too. Too bad we don’t have more than one Suzuki centering a line. I’m not opposed to trading for a proven #2 center should one come available. I can’t wait for Hage to claim that role….it may take several years. I’m over 70, so my time may be up before it happens. One never knows about these things, except the LORD of course. I’d love to see one more Cup before the lights go off. Don’t we all….cheers

 

[Sorinth]

What would a vet top 6 C do for us - turn us into an average team? Suzuki + that player is not the center lineup of a true cup contender. If we want to become a Stanley cup contender, we need a close to elite center at a minimum. The only way to get that is to build through the draft - any bandage stop gap that prevents this is hurting the team by pushing us to the middle.

No point in drafting potential elite players if you don't surround them properly when they come to the NHL. Demidov will need a center that's better then this season's Dach.

 

[Schooner Guy]

Then there is everyone else. Habs drafting anyone of those 4 would be a success. Anyone else will feel a bit of a failure.

Our pick will likely be closer to #10 than to #4 unless we win the lottery.

 

[Naslund]

Our pick will likely be closer to #10 than to #4 unless we win the lottery.

Im not sure. Habs are playing well lately, but the schedule until the end of January is really brutal. We have done well tanking in the last few years, I think we do it again and finish somewhere in the top 5. Evans, Armia, Dvo, and Savard will be traded at some point, which will signal to the team that we are done for the year.

 

[HabzSauce]

Im not sure. Habs are playing well lately, but the schedule until the end of January is really brutal. We have done well tanking in the last few years, I think we do it again and finish somewhere in the top 5. Evans, Armia, Dvo, and Savard will be traded at some point, which will signal to the team that we are done for the year.

I want a top 4 pick so bad. Get another stud in the pipeline and we will have as good a foundation as you can ask for.

 

[Nicko999]

Our pick will likely be closer to #10 than to #4 unless we win the lottery.

The fact we won a couple of games against crappy teams doesn't mean we will suddenly be in the mix.

 

[themilosh]

If the season ended today and we are picking 8th & 15th (desnoyers off the board at 7th) i judt go all out on RHDs:
Logan Hensler then Radim Mrtka (eff a trade), draft 2 RHDs and stock up.

With Demidov coming next year, and if Laine will sign for $7.5m × 8,

All Hugo has to do is go out and get a 2C, we have loads of assets to pull this off..

Fowler in the wings - this Habs team (while young) will be quite scary next year.

Sign Evans to become the 3-4c along with Beck. If Hage hits, wow.

RHD (weakness) now becomes:
Carrier
Reinbacher
Mailloux
Hensler
Mrtka

The value of this is unlimited.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

The fact we won a couple of games against crappy teams doesn't mean we will suddenly be in the mix.

10th isn’t exactly ‘in the mix’…

 

[themilosh]

I want a top 4 pick so bad. Get another stud in the pipeline and we will have as good a foundation as you can ask for.

imagine if we can pick up Misa this draft?

 

[Schooner Guy]

The fact we won a couple of games against crappy teams doesn't mean we will suddenly be in the mix.

We're not a bottom 4 team. We're relatively healthy right now and our brass is making moves to stabilize our roster (Barron/Carrier, backup goalie etc). The only way we get a top 4 pick is by winning the lottery.

 

[HuGort]

There are some big decisions that have to be made in the near future:

1. What to do with Matheson, given his age, contract status and Hudson's ability to drive offense at the NHL level. How to strengthen the blueline if Matheson is dealt (a 1st pair RD).

2. Assuming Dach fails (and this is the assumption a GM has to make going into next offseason if Dach can't regain his form), we have one good NHL centerman signed for next season. If we want to avoid another wrecked campaign and make a step forward, the position will require some major restructuring.

3. The goalie situation.

4. How to integrate the upcoming young forwards, whilst maintaining the effectiveness of our penalty kill and bottom lines. There is a risk here of repeating the shitshow on defense we've seen this year.

Hughes and Gorton are about to earn their keep. Or not...

Gorton been here 3 years plus, can't get a center. Acquire a few but they suck. Way overpaid for them. Best ones are Bergevin, Suzuki, Evans.

 

[Miller Time]

Gorton been here 3 years plus, can't get a center. Acquire a few but they suck. Way overpaid for them. Best ones are Bergevin, Suzuki, Evans.

Nonsense.

We haven't "overpaid" for any C's acquired since Gorton/KH took over.

The cost to acquire Dach was, if anything, a low cost paid to get a prospect of that age & quality. Romanov for Dach remains a better bet than Sergachev for Drouin, for context.

Monahan was an absolute steal... A legit 2C added, plus a 1st, for cap space. Not to mention a 2nd 1st received in trading him.

Newhook wasn't acquired as a C... But even if you include him, the cost paid at time of acquisition could hardly be considered "overpaid".

You seem to be confused by hindsight and recency biases...

Bottom line. Monahan is the best established center (in terms of pedigree + performance once acquired) acquired by any Montreal management in decades.

Dach is the most talented prospect C acquired by the Habs in decades. Suzuki developed into the best C we've had in years, but he wasn't nearly as highly rated at the time of acquisition (& we actually targeted Glass).

Newhook, after Drouin, is the most talented tweener forward prospect we've acquired in decades.

Hage, Demidov, Mesar & Beck are the most talented potential C's outside of Kotkaniemi that we've drafted in 10+ years.

Your post couldn't be any more factually wrong if you tried.

 

[HabsMD97]

All we really need is an elite #1 Center which is why we need to finish bottom 3 this year. Everything else is set.

We have either on the team or in the pipeline:
Elite #2 two-way C: Suzuki
#1 D: Hutson
Elite Offensive Winger: Demidov
Starter: Fowler
1st line Powerforward: Slaf
40+ goalscorer: Caufield or Laine
#2&#3 Shutdown pair: Guhle, Reinbacher
#3 C: Beck/Hage
#4 C: Beck/Kapanen

You also have guys like Xhekaj and Heineman who are excellent bottom of the lineup players

You can easily acquire another top 6 forward and a top4 RHD via trade with the prospect pool we have.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

All we really need is an elite #1 Center which is why we need to finish bottom 3 this year. Everything else is set.

We have either on the team or in the pipeline:
Elite #2 two-way C: Suzuki
#1 D: Hutson
Elite Offensive Winger: Demidov
Starter: Fowler
1st line Powerforward: Slaf
40+ goalscorer: Caufield or Laine
#2&#3 Shutdown pair: Guhle, Reinbacher
#3 C: Beck/Hage
#4 C: Beck/Kapanen

You also have guys like Xhekaj and Heineman who are excellent bottom of the lineup players

You can easily acquire another top 6 forward and a top4 RHD via trade with the prospect pool we have.

I realize it probably won’t happen - but - if Demidov could take the center role, we’d be in amazing shape. He and Suzuki would make a great 1-2 punch up the middle. On the wing you’ve got Slaf, CC and Laine… only need one more top six. And Hage is on the way.

 

[Ozmodiar]

Minor trade for steady depth RD.

Too many young defensemen. Fire d coach if they can’t fix by Feb.

Major trade in offseason.

The trade has happened, as predicted.

I don’t think there’s a lot to do for a little bit until they see how the standings are shaping up.

I’ll say Evans extension is next.

Dvo and Savard trades at TDL.
Beck and Mailloux with looks in the lineup.

 

[Nicko999]

We're not a bottom 4 team. We're relatively healthy right now and our brass is making moves to stabilize our roster (Barron/Carrier, backup goalie etc). The only way we get a top 4 pick is by winning the lottery.

So currently we are the 7th worst team in the league while being relatively healthy, overusing our #1 goalie and having played the easiest part of our schedule.

How are we not a bottom 4 team?

 

[Miller Time]

So currently we are the 7th worst team in the league while being relatively healthy, overusing our #1 goalie and having played the easiest part of our schedule.

How are we not a bottom 4 team?

Because we're 7th, not 4th


Our best player & highest cap hit contract is LTIR, though we knew that going into the season...

Our 2nd best player, & 2nd highest cap hit has played 10/34 games, and we are 6-4 in those games.

Shouldn't be that hard to understand...

 

[nhlfan9191]

I realize it probably won’t happen - but - if Demidov could take the center role, we’d be in amazing shape. He and Suzuki would make a great 1-2 punch up the middle. On the wing you’ve got Slaf, CC and Laine… only need one more top six. And Hage is on the way.

We should just let Demidov be. He’s a winger. Adapting to center can be just as hard as a forward trying to adjust to become a defender and vise versa. I’m not comparing Demidov to Drouin as a player, but playing Drouin as a center his first year here was one of the most mind numbingly stupid things we could’ve done. It’s time for one of these GM’s to find a way to get us a center. We already have a pretty good one in Suzuki. I have confidence we can find one more someway without the Bergevin excuses. I liked the logic behind trading for Dach even if it looks like it isn’t going to work out now. They need to get creative.