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

[WeThreeKings]

Don't expect a lot from the Habs guys.. I know I'll say this and half the board will peddle the belief that Hughes got a good offer on Armia and just chose not to do it

 

[26Mats]

If I'm a team, I'm obviously asking about them. But in my mind, I was never in doubt the Leafs would make them untouchables, which is why if I mention a proposal with the Leafs, I don't bother bringing any of these players up.

Leafs 1st is a valuable asset anyways. They probably don't make it out of the 1st round, and likely aren't winning their division. So the pick could be in the 22nd overall range.

 

[salbutera]

If I'm a team, I'm obviously asking about them. But in my mind, I was never in doubt the Leafs would make them untouchables, which is why if I mention a proposal with the Leafs, I don't bother bringing any of these players up.

Interesting choice of words in the reponse Leafs are not “interested” in dealing vs they are not available

Well if I’m HuGo I’m “not interested” in dealing any of my players either…

 

[Adam Michaels]

 

[LaP]

I believe you just proved the point: over 10-drafts, 100-players drafted 18 have had some level of NHL regular career… 18% that’s atrocious odds.

Give me a bird in the hands all the time vs 18% hope.

As for the “solution” it’s more viable to go after NHL ready assets, which is why I suggested you add to Savard to try & fetch that asset - I.e Savard (retention) + Wpg 1st for Knies type move

No doubt that trying to make such moves are difficult at deadline time - too many variables need to align

Savard is not a bird in the hands. He will be 34 next season. He is on borrowed time. He's a dying bird in the hands and between a dying bird and 15% of a prime healthy bird i'll play the odds.

 

[salbutera]

Savard is not a bird in the hands. He will be 34 next season. He is on borrowed time. He's a dying bird in the hands and between a dying bird and 15% of a prime healthy bird i'll play the odds.

Habs can net a late 1st or 2nd next year on an expiring contract

What is the success rate of Habs 1st round picks over last 50-years (including legendary HOF GM Pollock)…

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

Habs can net a late 1st or 2nd next year on an expiring contract

What is the success rate of Habs 1st round picks over last 50-years (including legendary HOF GM Pollock)…

Your not forced to use the draft picks you acquire , its basic asset management , especially for an older player than can fall off fast. You can draft or use the assets in another trade

 

[salbutera]

Your not forced to use the draft picks you acquire , its basic asset management , especially for an older player than can fall off fast. You can draft or use the assets in another trade

1) keeping Savard and continuing the grooming process of the young D + acquiring draft pick next deadline

Or

2) trading Savard for a potential late 1st this draft

The ultimate question for HuGo to answer, is whether the Habs org benefits more from 1 or 2

I believe there’s an option 3 available w Leafs, in being able to acquire an NHL ready asset (Knies) but would involve a complicated deal involving more than simply a Savard swap

 

[The Great Weal]

Leafs are hoping to get a young, cheap top pairing dman for a bunch of 3rds.

 

[Hannibal]

Classic leafs. Try the same thing and hope it works

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

I mean who is going to replace the approximate 45 minutes of high leveraged playing time per game these two veterans now play?

I see what you mean. If we lose 45 min regular shifts these 2 vets are doing, the kids will make mistakes, the team will suck a year more, we'll end up with another high pick but we'll lose the mentoring of both vets D. And developping the youth is valuable, more valuable sometimes than late 1rst round picks. We have good future D developping but they need vets to learn and securise the team.

I wouldn't trade Savard. He has been a steadying presence for each of the young guys that have played with him. Arber Xhekaj looks like a much better player with him than he ever did next to Kovacevic. He is more valuable here, I see him like an on-ice coach for our young players.

This. Exactly !! Good post !

 

[salbutera]

Classic leafs. Try the same thing and hope it works

That tweet language from Leafs is pure bravado… they will sacrifice one of their youth… for whom is the question

 

[LaP]

1) keeping Savard and continuing the grooming process of the young D + acquiring draft pick next deadline

Or

2) trading Savard for a potential late 1st this draft

The ultimate question for HuGo to answer, is whether the Habs org benefits more from 1 or 2

I believe there’s an option 3 available w Leafs, in being able to acquire an NHL ready asset (Knies) but would involve a complicated deal involving more than simply a Savard swap

For that they need to be in the NHL.

Matheson-Guhle
Savard-Struble
Xhekaj-Harris
Kova

There's lockjam which means Barron will be in the AHL for another year. At 23 with almost 100 years played in the AHL there's not much for him to learn there. We should be evaluating him next season. Either he got it or not. So who do we trade Harris? Guhle will be in his 3rd NHL season. Same for Xhekaj. Same for Harris. You got Kova on the bench and Matheson on the first pairing. I think Savard played his role already i don't see the reason to jam Barron in the AHL for another at 23.

 

[TheBuriedHab]

Funny reading Leafs Twitter and seeing so many of them against giving a first for Savard. They don't understand what their team needs to win playoffs series.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I see what you mean. If we lose 45 min regular shifts these 2 vets are doing, the kids will make mistakes, the team will suck a year more, we'll end up with another high pick but we'll lose the mentoring of both vets D. And developping the youth is valuable, more valuable sometimes than late 1rst round picks. We have good future D developping but they need vets to learn and securise the team.

Without Matheson and Savard playing those heavy 45 minutes I think calling our predictive level of play ‘sucking’ will be an overly charitable estimation. Most people fail to value what they have until they lose it.

Take away Matheson's great mobility and Savard's ever present steadfastness and we become a bottom dweller. It won't be pretty.

 

[Sorinth]

1) keeping Savard and continuing the grooming process of the young D + acquiring draft pick next deadline

Or

2) trading Savard for a potential late 1st this draft

The ultimate question for HuGo to answer, is whether the Habs org benefits more from 1 or 2

I believe there’s an option 3 available w Leafs, in being able to acquire an NHL ready asset (Knies) but would involve a complicated deal involving more than simply a Savard swap

Given that next TDL he'll probably still be in consideration for a late 1st the situations are
1) Have Savard continue to groom the young D + 1st in 2025
2) Trade Savard now for a 1st in 2024

Kind of seems like a no-brainer for keeping him. However the real conundrum facing Hughes is the amount of D that deserve or will be pushing for NHL spots. We are basically sitting at 8D all deserving of NHL ice time plus 3 high end prospects that could make a case for playing in the NHL over the AHL. So it's not just about what Savard brings, but also what's best use of ice time.

I'm leaning towards keeping Savard and looking to move Harris if we need to free up roster space. But obviously if someone's going to really overpay then you don't say no that.

 

[salbutera]

For that they need to be in the NHL.

Matheson-Guhle
Savard-Struble
Xhekaj-Harris
Kova

There's lockjam which means Barron will be in the AHL for another year. At 23 with almost 100 years played in the AHL there's not much for him to learn there. We should be evaluating him next season. Either he got it or not. So who do we trade Harris? Guhle will be in his 3rd NHL season. Same for Xhekaj. Same for Harris. You got Kova on the bench and Matheson on the first pairing. I think Savard played his role already i don't see the reason to jam Barron in the AHL for another at 23.

Barron & Harris are gonzo prior to start of next season IMO. Barron from afar seems to project to have a terrible attitude and has done squat in Laval, and for Harris… unfortunately Struble outplayed him and brings that size coefficient Harris lacks without compromising pace / skating

With Barron & Harris out of the picture, there isn’t a logjam at D for next season - while allowing Mailloux, and potentially Redenbacher to develop in Laval

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Funny reading Leafs Twitter and seeing so many of them against giving a first for Savard. They don't understand what their team needs to win playoffs series.

It would seem that such unawareness extends to their team's successive management groups, It takes great effort, if not talent, to have not won a Cup since 1967.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

I believe you just proved the point: over 10-drafts, 100-players drafted 18 have had some level of NHL regular career… 18% that’s atrocious odds.

Give me a bird in the hand all the time vs 18% hope.

As for the “solution” it’s more viable to go after NHL ready assets, which is why I suggested you add to Savard to try & fetch that asset - I.e Savard (retention) + Wpg 1st for Knies type move

No doubt that trying to make such moves are difficult at deadline time - too many variables need to align

No way they trade Knies. Nothing they could get would replace him AND fill other needs. They should be willing to move Cowan and or their 1st for the right piece. For example Guentzel if he would extend with them. Although they really need defensemen.

 

[NicRattlehead]

Leafs are hoping to get a young, cheap top pairing dman for a bunch of 3rds.

If they had any sense, I think we match up nicely for a trade. Not a 33 year old Savard for one of your top forward prospects but one of our several top defensive prospects for one of your top forward prospects.

Whether a trade would actually get done between the two teams given their history/hatred I have no idea. Maybe it's all business and no emotion for the GMs.

 

[Vachon23]

I think we can add the NYI as potential suitors for Savard.

The just lost Mayfield to LTI and Lou said they are buyers.

https://x.com/incarceratedbob/status/1765052550724649268?s=20

Just saw the Tweet that you put on the link my bad !
Then yes NYI would be a great place to trade him

 

[donghabs98]

I kept thinking Hanley is a young guy who just needs his break in the NHL. Was truly surprised when I realized he's a journeyman whos 7 years removed from being a Hab.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

It would seem that such unawareness extends to their team's successive management groups, It takes great effort, if not talent, to have not won a Cup since 1967.

If they trade Knies that would be absolute proof they don't know how to build a Cup winner. Alhough letting Hyman and Kadri go was probably already proof enough.

 

[vokiel]

This TDL is looking more like a WDL.

 

[salbutera]

No way they trade Knies. Nothing they could get would replace him AND fill other needs. They should be willing to move Cowan and or their 1st for the right piece. For example Guentzel if he would extend with them. Although they really need defensemen.

When the GM publicly states he needs to improve his D and would be willing to sacrifice 1st for a non expiring contract …. that’ll be the area of focus.

Make no doubt Habs have pieces to help Leafs to rebuild D instantly - whether that’s the real answer is another story.

For example, I’d have no issues offering up a package of Savard + Barron + Harris in some type of Knies deal. Don’t know if that would be of interest to Leafs