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

[Nico Cauzuki]

I don't think either of them should be moved, unless a Pejorative Slured offer comes our way. This team will need some leadership come next September on the blue line, we cannot just play 6 young d's with a lack of NHL experience. Already with just them 2 it's rough

personally i would easily move Savard for a 1st if anything sign a vet dman in the offseason or trade for one

going into this draft with 3 first round picks could be huge for a future use both late picks to move up to mid 1st or make another Dach trade but keeping Savard for 1 more year wont have a bigger impact on our team then adding young talent that could help us for the next few years

 

[Kosseca]

Why holding on Savard ? Wait for is value to go down ? Wait for him to get injured ? TRADE HIM KENT.

It will also help our tank this year . We need a top 5 pick and a chance to draft Demidov or Lindstrom !

Why? Because I dont want the team to turn into the Ottawa Senator and become a bunch of loosers

 

[OpenIceHit]

I’m just hoping we can dump some contracts. If not, we will simply wait for those contracts to end in summer 2025 (Allen, Dvorak, Evans, Armia…) at which point we’ll also probably be buying out Gallagher’s contract as well.

 

[CAUFIELD]

Why? Because I dont want the team to turn into the Ottawa Senator and become a bunch of loosers

We need a roster spot for Barron, Kovacevic, Ghule Harris Matheson Xhekaj Struble next year . That’s already 7 Defensemen.

If we don’t want all of Hutson, Reinbacher, Mailloux to graduate at the same time (2025), we need maybe 1 of them (Mailloux) to graduate somewhere next year.

+ we can sign a vet RD this summer (Taney,etc), if we feel the need for it.

That being said , I would 100% trade Savard at this TDL.

 

[Mikah]

See what Hanifin gets then you’ll get a better idea of the price on matheson

I don't think so.. we are not talking about the same thing at all.

Matheson has 2 more years at $6.5M/yr, while Tanev and Hanifin are in their last year, at $4.5M and $4.95M, respectively.

One is a medium-term investment, the other two are playoff rentals. They won't retain on Matheson over such a term.

At this point, most contenders don't have that kind of salary cap this year and in the years to come. They will likely prioritize players that will need to be signed at the end of the season before adding a $6.5M salary.

The only player with some value right now is Savard, and it's a mixed feeling whether it's worth getting a 2nd round considering the impact on the development of the rest of the team. Montreal already has so many picks...

My guess? Montreal will move if a very good offer is made (ie a 1st round), but otherwise, nothing will happen at the trade deadline. They are more likely to make a move akin to Newhook at the draft, to transform draft picks into players that are closer to the NHL.

 

[sampollock]

I think Math is moveable but IT needs to be a awesome return. which I don't think a GM would give, like a huge over pay

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Peak Petry (before his ‘trade me’ meltdown lol) was 2x the player Matheson is…I just can’t get over the amount of errors he dishes out…I don’t think you can win with a player like that in the playoffs when a single mistake can lose a game.
A lot of people seem to love him but I’m not one - first solid offer I’d ship him out.

Interesting take as the ‘Peak Petry’ was also prone to untimely errors / turnovers / gaffs to such an extent that, similar to Matheson today, there was a loud segment of the team’s fan base wanting and clamoring for the team to trade Petry.

This sentiment is, in my opinion, completely misguided. In Matheson, we have a defenceman who has elite mobility and who is third in team scoring, leads the team ( and is among the top ten in the league) in total shifts and minutes played, has size, plays in all game situations, is a respected team leader, has a contract that pays him less than $5 million a year and is a local boy who actually wants to play in the spotlight that is Montreal.

For those fervidly advocating for a Matheson trade, I just don't know who they believe will be able to take on the 26 minutes that Matheson now plays Some, no doubt, are counting on the wave of the defensive prospects we have to step in to fill that void. I think we should wait to see if these young players ( however promising but who have never played a game in the NHL), can even play in the NHL, let alone at the level that Matheson now does.

While no player is untouchable, the amount of ice time that MSL gives Matheson and the in-game situations that Matheson is asked to play, shows what the team's coaching and management think of the skill, leadership and compete level he brings to the team. The team has a lot of challenges and problems, for the reasons noted above, I would suggest that Matheson is the least of our problems. Unless there is a king's bounty being offered, Matheson is not going to be traded.

I have being saying this for over twenty years on this august forum: you trade away the elite skating ability that Matheson offers game in and game out, at your team's peril. Hughes is too smart to make that crucial mistake.

 

[Mr Bop]

I don't think so.. we are not talking about the same thing at all.

Matheson has 2 more years at $6.5M/yr, while Tanev and Hanifin are in their last year, at $4.5M and $4.95M, respectively.

One is a medium-term investment, the other two are playoff rentals. They won't retain on Matheson over such a term.

At this point, most contenders don't have that kind of salary cap this year and in the years to come. They will likely prioritize players that will need to be signed at the end of the season before adding a $6.5M salary.

The only player with some value right now is Savard, and it's a mixed feeling whether it's worth getting a 2nd round considering the impact on the development of the rest of the team. Montreal already has so many picks...

My guess? Montreal will move if a very good offer is made (ie a 1st round), but otherwise, nothing will happen at the trade deadline. They are more likely to make a move akin to Newhook at the draft, to transform draft picks into players that are closer to the NHL.

Matheson is a 4.875 mil cap hit.

 

[Tyson]

I don't think so.. we are not talking about the same thing at all.

Matheson has 2 more years at $6.5M/yr, while Tanev and Hanifin are in their last year, at $4.5M and $4.95M, respectively.

One is a medium-term investment, the other two are playoff rentals. They won't retain on Matheson over such a term.

At this point, most contenders don't have that kind of salary cap this year and in the years to come. They will likely prioritize players that will need to be signed at the end of the season before adding a $6.5M salary.

The only player with some value right now is Savard, and it's a mixed feeling whether it's worth getting a 2nd round considering the impact on the development of the rest of the team. Montreal already has so many picks...

My guess? Montreal will move if a very good offer is made (ie a 1st round), but otherwise, nothing will happen at the trade deadline. They are more likely to make a move akin to Newhook at the draft, to transform draft picks into players that are closer to the NHL.

Where did you come up with 6.5 for Matheson...?

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

I don't expect any activity on our end on deadline day. Our activity will happen the week of the draft.

It may well be both. If a GM offers more than HuGo's asking price for a player before the deadline then a deal will happen.

 

[LaP]

Interesting take as the ‘Peak Petry’ was also prone to untimely errors / turnovers / gaffs to such an extent that, similar to Matheson today, there was a loud segment of the team’s fan base wanting and clamoring for the team to trade Petry.

This sentiment is, in my opinion, completely misguided. In Matheson, we have a defenceman who has elite mobility and who is third in team scoring, leads the team ( and is among the top ten in the league) in total shifts and minutes played, has size, plays in all game situations, is a respected team leader, has a contract that pays him less than $5 million a year and is a local boy who actually wants to play in the spotlight that is Montreal.

For those fervidly advocating for a Matheson trade, I just don't know who they believe will be able to take on the 26 minutes that Matheson now plays Some, no doubt, are counting on the wave of the defensive prospects we have to step in to fill that void. I think we should wait to see if these young players ( however promising but who have never played a game in the NHL), can even play in the NHL, let alone at the level that Matheson now does.

While no player is untouchable, the amount of ice time that MSL gives Matheson and the in-game situations that Matheson is asked to play, shows what the team's coaching and management think of the skill, leadership and compete level he brings to the team. The team has a lot of challenges and problems, for the reasons noted above, I would suggest that Matheson is the least of our problems. Unless there is a king's bounty being offered, Matheson is not going to be traded.

I have being saying this for over twenty years on this august forum: you trade away the elite skating ability that Matheson offers game in and game out, at your team's peril. Hughes is too smart to make that crucial mistake.

One of Petry's nickname was Jeff Petrin

The problem with Matheson is well he'll be 30 in a few days. Him and Jeff petry are very similar player with very similar career path.

Jeff Petry was pretty much done as a effective top 4 player at 33 years old. If Matheson share a similar path and i think he will then he has three seasons left (30-31-32). Matheson is not the kind of player to remain effective in his mid 30ies. Like Jeff Petrin and Subban he's braindead and rely on his physical skills only.

I have no problem keeping Matheson for next season but beyoind that i'd move him personally. Have to make room for Mailloux eventually he's too good in the AHL to not be at least a good top 4 offensive dman eventually.

 

[Kosseca]

We need a roster spot for Barron, Kovacevic, Ghule Harris Matheson Xhekaj Struble next year . That’s already 7 Defensemen.

If we don’t want all of Hutson, Reinbacher, Mailloux to graduate at the same time (2025), we need maybe 1 of them (Mailloux) to graduate somewhere next year.

+ we can sign a vet RD this summer (Taney,etc), if we feel the need for it.

That being said , I would 100% trade Savard at this TDL.

I take Savard over Kovacevic, Harris and Barron. Kova can be the 7th D and Harris should be traded anyway as he can't play RD and we already have to many LD to manage.

Graduating the other guys will come when the are ready, not when you open a spot for them. If they are, then and only then you open the spot. Until then, they can play AHL no problem.

In terms of signing a UFA, either you get a better guy, but he'll ask for way more money with terms or you get a similar guy, but one that as no added value in terms of leadership as he'll be new.

 

[morhilane]

I think moving Kovacevic makes the most sense if a RHD gets moved, none of the kids are ready to eat Savard's minutes at the NHL level, so it would be stupid to move him now.

As for the LDs, someone will be traded before next season start, but that looks more like a draft move than a deadline one.

 

[Andy]

I just don't see the rush or need to trade Matheson.

 

[Kosseca]

Interesting take as the ‘Peak Petry’ was also prone to untimely errors / turnovers / gaffs to such an extent that, similar to Matheson today, there was a loud segment of the team’s fan base wanting and clamoring for the team to trade Petry.

This sentiment is, in my opinion, completely misguided. In Matheson, we have a defenceman who has elite mobility and who is third in team scoring, leads the team ( and is among the top ten in the league) in total shifts and minutes played, has size, plays in all game situations, is a respected team leader, has a contract that pays him less than $5 million a year and is a local boy who actually wants to play in the spotlight that is Montreal.

For those fervidly advocating for a Matheson trade, I just don't know who they believe will be able to take on the 26 minutes that Matheson now plays Some, no doubt, are counting on the wave of the defensive prospects we have to step in to fill that void. I think we should wait to see if these young players ( however promising but who have never played a game in the NHL), can even play in the NHL, let alone at the level that Matheson now does.

While no player is untouchable, the amount of ice time that MSL gives Matheson and the in-game situations that Matheson is asked to play, shows what the team's coaching and management think of the skill, leadership and compete level he brings to the team. The team has a lot of challenges and problems, for the reasons noted above, I would suggest that Matheson is the least of our problems. Unless there is a king's bounty being offered, Matheson is not going to be traded.

I have being saying this for over twenty years on this august forum: you trade away the elite skating ability that Matheson offers game in and game out, at your team's peril. Hughes is too smart to make that crucial mistake.

I would add to this that some fans are so focus on getting "futures" that they lose the perspective needed to actually manage a team. The reality is that would this team be competing for the playoff, nobody would advocate to trade Matheson. Given that this is the stated objective for next year by KH, you better be careful for what you wish for here as trading Matheson or Savard this TDL may have you wishing for having guys with the same skill set them next season.

 

[durojean]

Don’t see how Matheson gets traded at the deadline unless its for an otherworldly return.

Those type of moves usually happen after the season. Teams have a clearer view of how they want to build their team and not just round it up a few weeks before the playoffs.

I find it crazy how people take Danault’s (or his agent) word like it’s the ultimate truth.

It was reported that Danault was one of the first to receive a contract offer (which he rejected) and then struggled during the season (which probably explains the lack of negotiations).

During that season, there was many instances where he made comments regarding his future on the team and how he wanted to be on an offensive line (at that time he was struggling and many wanted the Tatar-Danault-Gallagher line to be broken so KK would get better line mates).

Fast forward to the end, Habs still gave Danault a 5M a year contract, which he refused.

People want to shit on Bergevin, but I don’t the wrong in his approach to this situation.

We had fans crying on this board that KK should have a more preeminent role one of the two top lines and the only way to give him that was putting Danault lower on the depth chart (which he admittedly didn’t want).

Then came the offer sheet, and with that history (there were multiple rumours that KK didn’t have the best attitude) Bergevin let it him go. Team had no centers other than Suzuki so he had to make a move.

It didn’t payoff in the long term, but he wasn’t wrong in doing so.

If Bergevin thought he could lose Danault for nothing. He should have traded him. Making the finals that year is irrelevant.

That push in the playoff that year is actually costing us at leat 3 more years of rebuild.

 

[Patty Roy]

I have zero interest in moving Matheson right now. Perhaps this time next year but lets see how Hutson and Reinbacher adapt to NA pro hockey between now and then.

Savard on the other hand i would definitely move prior to this deadline. I know some out there are suggesting we could get a 1st in return, i personally have a hard time believing that and would be happy acquiring a 2nd in this draft + a B prospect.

 

[teamfirst]

I just don't see the rush or need to trade Matheson.

They're no rush or needs , but they're could be an opportunity, all depends on the offer obviously

 

[L4br3cqu3]

Why? Because I dont want the team to turn into the Ottawa Senator and become a bunch of loosers

We already are 'lOsers' with Savard in the lineup, can't be worse.

A 33yo guy like Savard is totally tradeable, he's a nice vet for sure, but definitely ain't part of our core going forward, he's a stop-gap.

 

[StCaufield]

Getting a young body for Savard would be ideal. Really getting sick of people only wanting picks picks picks. I understand a rebuild but trading everybody for picks might not even work. We have a billion picks already too. The hell will we do with them all lol. There’s guys about to hit their prime here including Monty and depth is needed. I’m not saying win now. I’m saying win in two years. Hutson will probably have a year under his belt by that time and other D like Ghule Mailloux and Rein is trending in the right direction. Trading strictly for picks will just be a constant rebuild unless we miraculously develop an entire team which is highly unlikely

 

[xposbrad]

We already are 'lOsers' with Savard in the lineup, can't be worse.

A 33yo guy like Savard is totally tradeable, he's a nice vet for sure, but definitely ain't part of our core going forward, he's a stop-gap.

We should hold onto Savard so we can finish in 20th next year lol. I just don't understand some people, I guess they think we have a shot at the cup every year just because we have a team, kudos to them.

 

[Sunfyre]

Kovacevic is going to be moved next offseason not this one. Cheap solid depth RD is more valuable for next season then some 3 round pick. After next trade deadline you can graduate Reinbacher/Mailloux. Harris and Barron are more likely going to be moved this season/offfseason.

 

[Tyson]

Kovacevic is going to be moved next offseason not this one. Cheap solid depth RD is more valuable for next season then some 3 round pick. After next trade deadline you can graduate Reinbacher/Mailloux. Harris and Barron are more likely going to be moved this season/offfseason.

This actually makes sense.

 

[Sunfyre]

Kovacevic is going to be moved next offseason not this one. Cheap solid depth RD is more valuable for next season then some 3 round pick. After next trade deadline you can graduate Reinbacher/Mailloux. Harris and Barron are more likely going to be moved this season/offfseason.

next trade deadline for Kova

 

[durojean]

Matheson had 34 points in only 48 games last season. He can produce 50+ for the next two seasons. He also play around 20mins+. We need him right now. Our D groups are very young

I don't see him or Savard getting traded this year. Maybe Savard in 2025 and Matheson in 2026.

Matheson for Zegras (or put any young player from his group at the same place) 1 for 1 for example is a move that could make sense if we look only at the future.

We get younger and better at the offensive position with a promising young forward. We lose in leadership but we give the locker room to the young even more. Some of our youngsters are due to get a place in the line up and we don't have that much for the defenseman right now.

It helps the team fitting more with the age group we need for when we are ready to contend.