HF Habs: Trade Proposal Thread #86: 2023-2024 Season

[Goalfield13]

Honestly, I think we have enough picks. I would rather we focus on developing players at all levels, including the NHL. The best way to do that is to have vets on the team. Matheson, Savard and Monahan are too important for us this year. I'd rather we keep them all. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

 

[sampollock]

Honestly, I think we have enough picks. I would rather we focus on developing players at all levels, including the NHL. The best way to do that is to have vets on the team. Matheson, Savard and Monahan are too important for us this year. I'd rather we keep them all. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

agreed, way to many picks. Kent even said they won't use them all. more Dach or Newhook type of deals to come I bet

 

[Habs 4 Life]

Honestly, I think we have enough picks. I would rather we focus on developing players at all levels, including the NHL. The best way to do that is to have vets on the team. Matheson, Savard and Monahan are too important for us this year. I'd rather we keep them all. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

Monahan is likely the only one to be traded, I don`t think KH moves both Savard and Matheson to be honest, there is no rush or point unless it`s a return you simply can`t refuse.

Also, nothing is stopping us for letting Monahan know the door is always open and he will be approached for a new contract come summer

 

[Goalfield13]

agreed, way to many picks. Kent even said they won't use them all. more Dach or Newhook type of deals to come I bet

If Dach was around, I would have no problem with trading Monahan. It would be sweet if we could keep him around, though. A C line next year of Suzuki, Dach and Monahan looks pretty nice to me, and if healthy, could fight for a p/o spot.

Monahan is likely the only one to be traded, I don`t think KH moves both Savard and Matheson to be honest, there is no rush or point unless it`s a return you simply can`t refuse.

Also, nothing is stopping us for letting Monahan know the door is always open and he will be approached for a new contract come the summer

Agreed, but I am worried about the team THIS year. After he goes, Evans will be the #2 C, and that sucks for Roy and Newhook.

 

[Habs 4 Life]

Agreed, but I am worried about the team THIS year. After he goes, Evans will be the #2 C, and that sucks for Roy and Newhook.

We can`t think about that, Roy will most probably be sent back to Laval in the long run anyway for some playoff hockey.

If Monahan was to return a 4th or 5th round pick, I`d be 100% agreeing with you right now. Heck I wanted the guy back last season and didn`t want him to leave and the injury happened. But we are talking late 1st round pick or a 2nd + good level prospect for him right now, we cannot turn that up.

And like I said, KH needs to let him know that the Habs will be going after him again in the off season and this time for good, a 3 year deal so he can be a leader for years to come with our young roster

 

[Goalfield13]

We can`t think about that, Roy will most probably be sent back to Laval in the long run anyway for some playoff hockey.

If Monahan was to return a 4th or 5th round pick, I`d be 100% agreeing with you right now. Heck I wanted the guy back last season and didn`t want him to leave and the injury happened. But we are talking late 1st round pick or a 2nd + good level prospect for him right now, we cannot turn that up.

And like I said, KH needs to let him know that the Habs will be going after him again in the off season and this time for good, a 3 year deal so he can be a leader for years to come with our young roster

It depends on the return, for sure; however, if Roy continues to play well with Monahan at the NHL level, I think it would be a disservices to a very promising prospect to trade his linemate/mentor away and send him down to a league he was already too good for. If you think Roy is going to be an important top 6 player for this team, his development matters a lot. I get it though. My opinion is not popular.

Edit: I don't think it is a coincidence that both Guhle and Struble have been able to play big minutes and progress playing next to Savard. Where would they be right now without him? Struble with Savard looks like Guhle with Savard last year. It is so important.

Edit 2: Also, look at Allen and Monty. Monty said that Allen was super important for his development. Where would Monty be without him? Probably on waivers again.

 

[Habs 4 Life]

It depends on the return, for sure; however, if Roy continues to play well with Monahan at the NHL level, I think it would be a disservices to a very promising prospect to trade his linemate/mentor away and send him down to a league he was already too good for. If you think Roy is going to be an important top 6 player for this team, his development matters a lot. I get it though. My opinion is not popular.

Roy will and is definitely a big part of this teams future going forward, top 6 or 9.

Regardless players like Monahan at deadlines are very popular and teams give up a lot. Like I said the return needs to be worth it and I do believe it will be a big one.

I do believe development is important and with that said the goal here IMO is still to send Roy back to Laval. It's only been 3 games, we can't go crazy here.

Anyways what if we keep Monahan and he get's injured right after the deadline, ? What then for Roy?

Again I said it a few teams and I'm being honest, I'd go hard after Monahan this off season but right now he needs to be moved and have a shot to win. Hopefully though KH and staff will let him know that they're planning to bringing him back, don't sell your house just yet!

 

[rahad]

It depends on the return, for sure; however, if Roy continues to play well with Monahan at the NHL level, I think it would be a disservices to a very promising prospect to trade his linemate/mentor away and send him down to a league he was already too good for. If you think Roy is going to be an important top 6 player for this team, his development matters a lot. I get it though. My opinion is not popular.

Edit: I don't think it is a coincidence that both Guhle and Struble have been able to play big minutes and progress playing next to Savard. Where would they be right now without him? Struble with Savard looks like Guhle with Savard last year. It is so important.

Edit 2: Also, look at Allen and Monty. Monty said that Allen was super important for his development. Where would Monty be without him? Probably on waivers again.

The trade deadline is 8 march 2024. He would still be able to play with Monahan for 1 and half month.

You also have to think for Monahan. He is getting old and it could be his last chance to win the stanley cup. We are in a rebuild. Trade him to a good team and wish him luck in winning the stanley cup.

 

[sampollock]

The trade deadline is 8 march 2024. He would still be able to play with Monahan for 1 and half month.

You also have to think for Monahan. He is getting old and it could be his last chance to win the stanley cup. We are in a rebuild. Trade him to a good team and wish him luck in winning the stanley cup.

in EDM to see the habs after this, hope to see new faces. but I guess we see, right Kent?

 

[EveryDay]

Should have his lot of suitors:

And that's playing with shitty player 5on5 most of the time....

 

[Goalfield13]

If we can get a first from a lower level playoff team for Monahan, I will be happy, despite my preference to keep him.

 

[Scriptor]

Monahan is likely the only one to be traded, I don`t think KH moves both Savard and Matheson to be honest, there is no rush or point unless it`s a return you simply can`t refuse.

Also, nothing is stopping us for letting Monahan know the door is always open and he will be approached for a new contract come summer

Also, since Montreal is not on the verge of winning squat (it still needs elite talent up front and what looks like a great D -- TBH -- is still years away from being here and mature enough to have a real impact), the perpetual return of Monahan, at some point, becomes a pipe dream.

Especially on the right term and at the right price.

Monahan is 29 and will be 30 next season to start his last stab at a lucrative contract.

Monahan has been injured repeatedly (even with the Habs last year),and pulling off healthy full season, with a playoff run on the team to which he will be traded, should provide a last bit of a chance get some semblance of term at near top dollar for the type of player he now is at his age.

Montreal is not the right destination for his current situation in life.

Unless Hughes extends Monahan to too much term and at too much salary, before the trade deadline, Honestly believe that we can say good-bye to Monahan forever..

In response to the one saying we have enough draft picks, adding quality picks (1st round and 2nd round picks) is always useful, whether you package them to move up at the draft to select a player with more guaranteed upside, or use them in a package to land a more established, younger player that can have a more immediate impact.

This narrative of having too many picks when the player to be traded can land you a pick--or multiple picks -- in the top-64 is slightly exaggerated, IMO.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

agreed, way to many picks. Kent even said they won't use them all. more Dach or Newhook type of deals to come I bet

You can never have too many draft picks. They can be traded for assets, to get cap space, future draft picks etc. You can draft players that are 3-4 years away when you might need more players. Lower picks can be used to draft several goaltenders and hope one turns out to be NHL material

 

[Beendair Donedat]

Zegras isn’t worth Guhle. At all. Let alone us adding more to the equation. He has more holes in his game than a colander, while Guhle is our current (and future) top pairing defender. And Struble, while playing very well so far, isn’t going to be a top pairing defenseman. He’ll be an excellent second pairing defenseman though if he stays improving at his current trajectory.

You keep Guhle and you use the assets acquired from the upcoming Monahan/Savard/Kovacevic Pearson and potentially Harris/Barron trades and other internal assets to acquire a young ultra talented forward.

 

[Scriptor]

If Dach was around, I would have no problem with trading Monahan. It would be sweet if we could keep him around, though. A C line next year of Suzuki, Dach and Monahan looks pretty nice to me, and if healthy, could fight for a p/o spot.


Agreed, but I am worried about the team THIS year. After he goes, Evans will be the #2 C, and that sucks for Roy and Newhook.

The best use of Monahan, IMO, would be to insulate Dach at C on Dach's line, given that Beck were to make the team as a young 3rd line C.

Not only could Monahan help Dach in the F/O circle, but he would provide a winger with actual offensive IQ on Dach's line.

Hughes wants to add real (young) help on O that can help right away, either this offseason, or next -- or both!

Monahan can help ease in such a player on aline with Dach.

Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky
Monahan - Dach - Kyrou (example)
Newhook - Beck - Anderson
RHP - Evans - Roy (to start, for Roy, until Monahan and Anderson move on, or injuries hit)

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

If he keeps playing like he is and injury free you can add a first to that second but I would prefer a very good prospect.We have 22picks in the next draft,we don't need more unless your looking to package a bunch of draft picks for established good young talent .

You will never receive a 1st + 2nd or a very good prospect for Monahan

IF we’re lucky will get a late first but i think will get a 2nd + B prospect

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

Honestly, I think we have enough picks. I would rather we focus on developing players at all levels, including the NHL. The best way to do that is to have vets on the team. Matheson, Savard and Monahan are too important for us this year. I'd rather we keep them all. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

i agree that we have tons of picks specially when theres a 50 contracts max in the NHL but worst case you trade or package the picks for better players the Habs are stuck with a bunch of okay or good players but no ppg or elite talent in our club or farm and until that changes will be stuck a mediocre club like we have been for years

Not even sure i remember our last ppg player i think it was Kovalev ?

 

[salbutera]

Also, since Montreal is not on the verge of winning squat (it still needs elite talent up front and what looks like a great D -- TBH -- is still years away from being here and mature enough to have a real impact), the perpetual return of Monahan, at some point, becomes a pipe dream.

Especially on the right term and at the right price.

Monahan is 29 and will be 30 next season to start his last stab at a lucrative contract.

Monahan has been injured repeatedly (even with the Habs last year),and pulling off healthy full season, with a playoff run on the team to which he will be traded, should provide a last bit of a chance get some semblance of term at near top dollar for the type of player he now is at his age.

Montreal is not the right destination for his current situation in life.

Unless Hughes extends Monahan to too much term and at too much salary, before the trade deadline, Honestly believe that we can say good-bye to Monahan forever..

In response to the one saying we have enough draft picks, adding quality picks (1st round and 2nd round picks) is always useful, whether you package them to move up at the draft to select a player with more guaranteed upside, or use them in a package to land a more established, younger player that can have a more immediate impact.

This narrative of having too many picks when the player to be traded can land you a pick--or multiple picks -- in the top-64 is slightly exaggerated, IMO.

The real narrative is whether the Habs are better off w a late 2nd round pick for Monahan vs will the TEAM growth benefit more from having him around in what’s shaping up as a potential run towards competing for a wild card spot

The return for Monahan has to be tangible and meaningful otherwise stay the course

 

[Adam Michaels]

agreed, way to many picks. Kent even said they won't use them all. more Dach or Newhook type of deals to come I bet

Guaranteed. Picks and a D or two will be moved to address offense.

Hughes has been GM for two drafts.

In 2022, Habs went into the draft with 13 picks. They traded 2 of them in two linked trades that resulted in the Dach acquisition. They selected 11 players.
In 2023, Habs went into the draft with 11 picks. They traded 2 of them to acquire Newhook. They selected 9 players.

So in the last two drafts, they took 20 players.

In 2024 and 2025, they have 22 picks (11 each draft).

2024: 1 x 1st, 1 x 2nd, 2 x 3rd, 1 x 4th, 1 x 5th, 1 x 6th, 3 x 7th
2025: 2 x 1st, 2 x 2nd, 2 x 3rd, 2 x 4th, 1 x 5th, 1 x 6th, 1 x 7th

I think they will still select a bunch of players, but I think Habs have positioned their draft picks in a way that they will be able to be more aggressive in trades in order to secure acquiring someone who can come in an help them compete. Because although they probably don't have intentions to make the playoffs this year, I'm sure as of next year, their goal will be to start making the playoffs.

 

[Canadiens98]

I really liked Kent Johnson in his draft year. Still only 21 years old but expiring RFA come the end of this season. They have him on their 3rd line this year and he's even spent some time in the minors.

Has produced 14 points in 28 NHL games this year, and 40 in 79 games last year (16 goals).

They may be willing to part ways with him if they can get a good return - If our pick isn't high enough to take one of the top forwards in this draft, wouldn't mind sending that over to Columbus.

 

[VirginiaMtlExpat]

Guaranteed. Picks and a D or two will be moved to address offense.

Hughes has been GM for two drafts.

In 2022, Habs went into the draft with 13 picks. They traded 2 of them in two linked trades that resulted in the Dach acquisition. They selected 11 players.
In 2023, Habs went into the draft with 11 picks. They traded 2 of them to acquire Newhook. They selected 9 players.

So in the last two drafts, they took 20 players.

In 2024 and 2025, they have 22 picks (11 each draft).

2024: 1 x 1st, 1 x 2nd, 2 x 3rd, 1 x 4th, 1 x 5th, 1 x 6th, 3 x 7th
2025: 2 x 1st, 2 x 2nd, 2 x 3rd, 2 x 4th, 1 x 5th, 1 x 6th, 1 x 7th

I think they will still select a bunch of players, but I think Habs have positioned their draft picks in a way that they will be able to be more aggressive in trades in order to secure acquiring someone who can come in an help them compete. Because although they probably don't have intentions to make the playoffs this year, I'm sure as of next year, their goal will be to start making the playoffs.

I'd like to see HuGo more aggressive about combining draft choices to rise in the draft. A second, a third and maybe a fourth toward a first, if feasible. Especially if a big, skillful center is falling unexpectedly.

 

[HuGort]

With the emergence of Struble (who's just incredible right now), could Hughes pull a big move and use Guhle to finally get the missing top 6 piece?

Guhle +

for

Zegras

Could be Drouin for Sergachrv 2.0, or could be the first PPG center in Montreal since Damphousse.

We'd still have Struble, Harris, Xhekaj, Hutson and Matheson on the left side. Which is pretty good. I think Struble could play Guhle's minutes as soon as next year at this rate, he's awesome right now.

No way I would trade Guhle

Hopefully the obsession over Zegras stops soon, he's a net negative to a hockey team and he isn't coming here anyways. Some team will overpay for him and that's their problem; luckily we finally have a GM that doesn't make stupid moves and we're safe from that kind of shortsighted vision. Who cares about a soft offensive only player who can score 60 of the softest points in the NHL, we don't need another Drouin.

I really hope we don't get a miniature PLD discussion with hundreds of trade proposals for Zegras clogging up the boards. He is a terrible player archetype, we should be looking in a different direction.

I think Zegras overrated because of the Michigan goal

I really liked Kent Johnson in his draft year. Still only 21 years old but expiring RFA come the end of this season. They have him on their 3rd line this year and he's even spent some time in the minors.

Has produced 14 points in 28 NHL games this year, and 40 in 79 games last year (16 goals).

They may be willing to part ways with him if they can get a good return - If our pick isn't high enough to take one of the top forwards in this draft, wouldn't mind sending that over to Columbus.

He not a goal scorer though. Plus price be high to trade for him

 

[salbutera]

I really liked Kent Johnson in his draft year. Still only 21 years old but expiring RFA come the end of this season. They have him on their 3rd line this year and he's even spent some time in the minors.

Has produced 14 points in 28 NHL games this year, and 40 in 79 games last year (16 goals).

They may be willing to part ways with him if they can get a good return - If our pick isn't high enough to take one of the top forwards in this draft, wouldn't mind sending that over to Columbus.

Jaarmo said a couple of weeks back he’s not moving him - part of the core who are off limits

 

[Canadiens98]

Jaarmo said a couple of weeks back he’s not moving him - part of the core who are off limits

Ah sorry, I must've missed that

 

[SlafySZN]

Very unlikely, but wonder if they would consider moving Rutger McGroarty, American boy, captain of the WJC team, Kent Hughes knows that draft class… hopefully he can pull a Cutter Gauthier and refuse to sign with them. Also, love the name!

He said his favorite team growing up was the jets so