HF Habs: Trade Proposal Thread #87: 2024 Season Finale

[OldCraig71]

The only reason why I would consider trading Xhekaj at this stage would be his related injury concerns. But if you can overcome those concerns, Xhekaj is truly one of the faces of this team going forward. He’s the type of player you need when you play in a hostile environment against heavy teams like Boston or Florida. Xhekaj allows our other smaller, skilled players play bigger.

People overlook the things not seen on the scoresheet but I'm with you. Even when this franchise was at its best there was always room for tough honest players.

 

[417]

Given this team needs more firepower... and Necas actually has size... it seems pretty clear to me how it should go.

Now imagine we somehow swing Necas *and* the 10OA pick. And all we give up are futures and some of our many dmen? Oh boy.

I've been vocal, i'd be all over Necas, within reason of course...but i'd be willing to give up valuable assets and give him a long term deal (not, not at 8M/yr @Habs Halifax ).

I don't think he's going to singlehandedly change the fortunes of the Habs but he's an instant upgrade in our top 6 and is another piece, that makes all of the other existing pieces together, better and contrary to popular belief, I think there's still a lot of room for improvement.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I've been vocal, i'd be all over Necas, within reason of course...but i'd be willing to give up valuable assets and give him a long term deal (not, not at 8M/yr @Habs Halifax ).

I don't think he's going to singlehandedly change the fortunes of the Habs but he's an instant upgrade in our top 6 and is another piece, that makes all of the other existing pieces together and contrary to popular belief, I think there's still a lot of room for improvement.

It's OK to be in on Necas and like him a lot. There is a good resume there and he is just touching prime at age 25. I just personally feel this is not a Dach type add and more like a Newhook add. I prefer to add a player who is already on a bridge or you can sign them to a bridge (like Dach/Newhook). Paying the trade price and long term contract price with Necas is risky for me.

What is the right contract for Necas? Not sure. But you do know I want nothing to do with 8x $8M

You can make an argument that Necas would be a better add than Zegras when you look at how hard Necas works (Fast skater with high tempo and good shot) and how Zegras relies on his skill. Zegras to me is a perimeter player but with a lot of skill. Catton to me is similar to a Zegras. I like these players but we all know we will need gritty skilled guys as well.... if we are chasing cups.

 

[The Great Weal]

The only reason why I would consider trading Xhekaj at this stage would be his related injury concerns. But if you can overcome those concerns, Xhekaj is truly one of the faces of this team going forward. He’s the type of player you need when you play in a hostile environment against heavy teams like Boston or Florida. Xhekaj allows our other smaller, skilled players play bigger.

I like Arber as much as the next guy, but he needs to become significantly better defensively for him to have that kind of impact. Otherwise, he could very well become an Adam McQuaid type player which frankly shouldn't be valued highly.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I like Arber as much as the next guy, but he needs to become significantly better defensively for him to have that kind of impact. Otherwise, he could very well become an Adam McQuaid type player which frankly shouldn't be valued highly.

With all our of D that is more fringe top 4D (as we see it today), we need to be patient. Most of these types only mature and are trusted in the 23-25+ years. Xhekaj is 23 and has 95 NHL games. That's not enough experience IMO.

I agree he needs to improve defensively but I also think he has the IQ to comprehend that and actually improve in that area. Needs more time.

 

[Captain Mountain]

Yes, we don't know what Xhekaj will become. Just like any 10th overall pick at this point is hype and potential.

Ok? What does that have to do with anything?

Fitzgerald said they want to upgrade at goaltender, add size and physicality at forward and maybe add another defenceman. The context (both in the press conference and from insiders) is that the pick is more on the table for a goalie.

We don't know what a player will become is the same argument a Devil's can say in regards to a proposal of Holtz and Casey for the 5th OA pick, but that doesn't mean that would be a trade Montreal should consider.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I like Arber as much as the next guy, but he needs to wing in this unique become significantly better defensively for him to have that kind of impact.

Xhekaj has far more skill, shot, mobility and offensive vision than most McQuaid type defencemen. In fact, if he can stay healthy, he easily projects as a second pairing defenceman on most NHL teams. Xhekaj’s combination of size, intimidation and skill is rare and hence the interest that many teams are showing in this unique developing player.

 

[417]

It's OK to be in on Necas and like him a lot. There is a good resume there and he is just touching prime at age 25. I just personally feel this is not a Dach type add and more like a Newhook add. I prefer to add a player who is already on a bridge or you can sign them to a bridge (like Dach/Newhook). Paying the trade price and long term contract price with Necas is risky for me.

What is the right contract for Necas? Not sure. But you do know I want nothing to do with 8x $8M

You can make an argument that Necas would be a better add than Zegras when you look at how hard Necas works (Fast skater with high tempo and good shot) and how Zegras relies on his skill. Zegras to me is a perimeter player but with a lot of skill. Catton to me is similar to a Zegras. I like these players but we all know we will need gritty skilled guys as well.... if we are chasing cups.

I know you don't like me to answer your posts separately, so i'll just summarize.

It's definitely a risk to pay the cost in assets to acquire him AND pay the contract price, but 25yr old players right in their prime just aren't made available that often. He fits EXACTLY what the Habs are looking for and I don't paying a price if I believe in the asset i'm acquiring. You can't get everything on the cheap.

I'm not all that interested in Zegras to be honest, he just doesn't do it for me...skill level is high, but I find Necas way more dynamic and versatile for what we're trying to do.

Xhekaj has far more skill, shot, mobility and offensive vision than most McQuaid type defencemen. In fact, if he can stay healthy, he easily projects as a second pairing defenceman on most NHL teams. Xhekaj’s combination of size, intimidation and skill is rare and hence the interest that many teams are showing in this unique developing player.

I see Xhekaj as more of a prime Johnny Boychuk type...maybe not as good defensively, better offensively, but just as mean and difficult to play against.

That's if he puts it all together.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I know you don't like me to answer your posts separately, so i'll just summarize.

It's definitely a risk to pay the cost in assets to acquire him AND pay the contract price, but 25yr old players right in their prime just aren't made available that often. He fits EXACTLY what the Habs are looking for and I don't paying a price if I believe in the asset i'm acquiring. You can't get everything on the cheap.

I'm not all that interested in Zegras to be honest, he just doesn't do it for me...skill level is high, but I find Necas way more dynamic and versatile for what we're trying to do.

I will trust Gorton/Hughes to make the right move and capitalize on the circumstance/timing and also bring in the right type of player we need. Very curious to see what they can pull off this summer. We know they will try and we do have lots of assets to offer.

 

[417]

If Kent Hughes isn't interested in paying the cost to acquire a Necas, which I understand why he would be.

I'd like for him to look into Alexander Holtz from New Jersey.

 

[McGuires Corndog]

IMO Catton does not have as much skill as Zegras. No idea if he has significant character issues.

.

It’s close. Catton has more compete. He’s the 3rd most skilled forward in the draft after Celebrini and Demidov, IMO.

Character issues hasn’t really been a concern from most draft reports.

 

[26Mats]

Ok? What does that have to do with anything?

Fitzgerald said they want to upgrade at goaltender, add size and physicality at forward and maybe add another defenceman. The context (both in the press conference and from insiders) is that the pick is more on the table for a goalie.

We don't know what a player will become is the same argument a Devil's can say in regards to a proposal of Holtz and Casey for the 5th OA pick, but that doesn't mean that would be a trade Montreal should consider.

There are 4 things were discussing:
1) Is the pick more likely to be moved for a goalie than a dman? Whether it is or it isn't doesn't make it far fetched that the pick won't be moved for a goalie and will be moved for their needed help on D.

2) Is Xhekaj's talent level and potential talent level worthy of being traded for the 10th overall pick, whether alone or with the 26th pick? I would expect some to say yes, others no. I CV ould see the majority of fans thinking no and the majority of GM's thinking yes.

3) Is Xhekaj's age and development stage in line with Jersey's window? I think yes. He's on the younger side. But he can play now and grow as the team gets better and better.

4) Does he fill an urgent need? I think yes. A big one.

 

[Runner77]

Xhekaj has far more skill, shot, mobility and offensive vision than most McQuaid type . In fact, if he can stay healthy, he easily projects as a second pairing defenceman on most NHL teams. Xhekaj’s combination of size, intimidation and skill is rare and hence the interest that many teams are showing in this unique developing player.

Happy to hold on to Xhekaj for the reasons you gave. He has shown a willingness to improve on his defensive game and his attributes can turn him into a 2nd pairing D, if we’re patient.

Meantime, let this forum’s users fake trade him all they want, he’s not going anywhere.

 

[EveryDay]

Happy to hold on to Xhekaj for the reasons you gave. He has shown a willingness to improve on his defensive game and his attributes can turn him into a 2nd pairing D, if we’re patient.

Meantime, let this forum’s users fake trade him all they want, he’s not going anywhere.

Exactly, no FKIN way we trade that guy. Can't wait to see that Xhekaj-Mailloux pairing in the NHL next year.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I know you don't like me to answer your posts separately, so i'll just summarize.

It's definitely a risk to pay the cost in assets to acquire him AND pay the contract price, but 25yr old players right in their prime just aren't made available that often. He fits EXACTLY what the Habs are looking for and I don't paying a price if I believe in the asset i'm acquiring. You can't get everything on the cheap.

I'm not all that interested in Zegras to be honest, he just doesn't do it for me...skill level is high, but I find Necas way more dynamic and versatile for what we're trying to do.

I know some are enamoured with the thought of acquiring Necas, Zegras or some other similar level player in an effort to jumpstart our endless re-build. How many would be willing to offer our 5 OA for such a ‘quick fix’ ?

I know I wouldn’t be.

 

[417]

I know some are enamoured with the thought of acquiring Necas, Zegras or some other similar level player in an effort to jumpstart our endless re-build. How many would be willing to offer our 5 OA for such a ‘quick fix’?

I know I wouldn’t be.

I wouldn't either because I think that 5th overall pick is and will be an important piece of that rebuild.

But not sure I share your sentiments that this rebuildnia endless.

We’re 2 years in, hasn't been that long lol

 

[Runner77]

I know some are enamoured with the thought of acquiring Necas, Zegras or some other similar level player in an effort to jumpstart our endless re-build. How many would be willing to offer our 5 OA for such a ‘quick fix’ ?

I know I wouldn’t be.

There’s a decent chance that 2 defencemen will come off the board after the 1OA selection — we’ve got a shot at one of Lindstrom and Demidov. Someone wants that pick, they’re going to have to bleed.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1798310219367543024

 

[Deus ex machina]

Maaaaaaaybe. And he was demoted because the club didn't feel like he was playing well enough to stay up. I like Xhekaj but get real. He's not worth a top-10 pick and at his age, draft pedigree still matters. He was signed off the street.

Off the top of my head the last picks in the top 10 traded were for guys like DeBrincat. Ottawa's Chychrun returned the 12th overall and a couple of seconds. Then there's guys like Jordan Staal Jeff Carter. These guys are in a different stratosphere than Xhekaj. What are we doing here?

He's easily worth a top 20 pick.
Odds that a player picked outside of the top 20 becomes as valuable as him are low.

Maybe his draft pedigree matters to you but I don't think it matters much to NHL teams now that they've seen what he can bring at the NHL level.

For me he's a core guy and essential to the culture of the team.
I don't think i'd trade him for the 10th pick.

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

man we over evaluate Jackeye here. Ok to be physical and cute for tv but man he's a third pair d-man at best. If someone is naive as to give actual good offensive asset or a great pick , i wont be sad at all

 

[Habs Halifax]

Trade for Markstrom which is what the Devils want. Give the Flames their 1st back and add the Jets 1st. Might need some other adds but I think a deal can be done.

Use Markstrom to get the Devils 10th. Risky but we can retain to help make it more attractive for the Devils.

Draft Iggy with the 5th and see who falls to 10th. Consider trading the 10th for Zegras or take the guy high on our draft board who slips to 10th. Those who like Catton? He might be on the board at 10.

man we over evaluate Jackeye here. Ok to be physical and cute for tv but man he's a third pair d-man at best. If someone is naive as to give actual good offensive asset or a great pick , i wont be sad at all

95 NHL games bud. We need to hold off both the pumping and deflating. Works two ways

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

Trade for Markstrom which is what the Devils want. Give the Flames their 1st back and add the Jets 1st. Might need some other adds but I think a deal can be done.

Use Markstrom to get the Devils 10th. Risky but we can retain to help make it more attractive for the Devils.

Draft Iggy with the 5th and see who falls to 10th. Consider trading the 10th for Zegras or take the guy high on our draft board who slips to 10th. Those who like Catton? He might be on the board at 10.

95 NHL games bud. We need to hold off both the pumping and deflating. Works two ways

95 games or not hes a third pair dman , defensively he aint Weber neither

 

[Captain Mountain]

There are 4 things were discussing:
1) Is the pick more likely to be moved for a goalie than a dman? Whether it is or it isn't doesn't make it far fetched that the pick won't be moved for a goalie and will be moved for their needed help on D.

2) Is Xhekaj's talent level and potential talent level worthy of being traded for the 10th overall pick, whether alone or with the 26th pick? I would expect some to say yes, others no. I CV ould see the majority of fans thinking no and the majority of GM's thinking yes.

3) Is Xhekaj's age and development stage in line with Jersey's window? I think yes. He's on the younger side. But he can play now and grow as the team gets better and better.

4) Does he fill an urgent need? I think yes. A big one.

Fine, lets do this:

1) Every indication is that its far more likely to be moved for a goalie, and there's no indication that it would be moved for a Dman over a forward.

2) Would you trade 5th OA for Xhekaj and a pick in the low teens/high 20s? I wouldn't and I think you'd have a hard time finding Habs fans, let alone fans of other teams who would want to do that.

3) That's fine, but so are many players. And NJ has already demonstrated that they beleive their window is now, so they're not going to be as fussed about that.

4) I think that's the easiest one, Xhekaj absolutely does not fill an urgent need. NJ's most urgent need is indisputably to upgrade in goal. Their next biggest need is to add size and physicallity at forward (ideally someone that can do work around the net). L. Hughes, Bahl and Siegenthaler all have size and Bahl and Siegenthaler both use it. If New Jersey is adding at D, they're likely going to address the lack of experience/reliability back there.

 

[Habs Halifax]

95 games or not hes a third pair dman , defensively he aint Weber neither

There is top 4D potential in him. Lets just continue to evaluate and support him while he approaches that critical age of 25. That's usually the prime for players who are not stars.

 

[McGuires Corndog]

man we over evaluate Jackeye here. Ok to be physical and cute for tv but man he's a third pair d-man at best. If someone is naive as to give actual good offensive asset or a great pick , i wont be sad at all

I agree he’s overrated. That said his physical dimension is pretty valuable to our team, so while overrated I think it takes overpayment to take him off our hands at the same time.

I’d trade him for pick #10 in a heart beat. Theres going to be many players there much better than him, we just have to pick the right one.

 

[Adriatic]

There is no doubt about it. Physicality and tight checking in the playoffs is a huge factor. Lots of fans thought it was all Price in our cup run but that top 4D we rolled were big factors too. Danault as well.
Very curious to see how the offensive Oilers do against the physical Panthers.

Absolutely. Unfortunately the deeper you go in the playoffs the harder in gets to manufacture scoring chances it just becomes a grind fest. You need horses that can play a heavy game and suffocate. The D we had the year we went to finals was an absolute nightmare to play against. I would take my chances and keep someone like Xhekaj, he can develop into an absolute unicorn for us. He was really good after he got back up from ahl and I think he will only get better, still so young for a defenseman.