HF Habs: Trade Proposal Thread #88: 2024-25 Season

[schwang26]

You guys seriously think the Canucks are trading Petersson to us for guys who are underachieving? Come on. Since when does a contender trade a top 6 forward at the deadline anyway? For them to do that, the Habs would need to give up a really good top 6 guy and they aren’t doing that. Plus, his production looks like it’s declining and he’s making over $10 million. Why take a chance on that?

 

[sampollock]

Yeah I tend to agree but it all depends on the fit and the price to acquire.

EP + Suzuki would be top 5 duo in the league offensively and defensively. They both have been Selke candidates in the past two years. You add Beck and Evans to them and you got yourself a perfect centerline for at least 5 years (reminder of Suzuki's contract).

totally makes sense
the cost may scare KH off

 

[Habs Halifax]

I'm pretty sure any deal that would bring EP here would include Matheson. They have been on record looking for a top 4 PMD for weeks now.

If they want a center also, we have only Dach and Newhook that could fit the bill.

We would have to use one of Hage or Mailloux to round up the package. But I would be really reluctant to part with Hage, more so if Dach is in the deal.

The piece that doesn't work is the center, unless Dach is having a solid second half of the season.

So all in all, if the deal happens during the summer and Dach found his groove back in the second half of the season, a deal I would make is the following :

Matheson
Dach
Mailloux
Any other part needed to complete the deal (2026 pick or b prospect Ala Roy, Mesar, etc.)


I'd take Trocheck before MZ.

I agree with Hage. Not ideal to trade him before we know how good he will be.

Dach, Matheson, and a 1st is also another offer we can do without affecting our core too much.

If it's a 1/1 deal, we are out. Our approach is likely 3 pieces with Dach/Matheson as the NHL proven pieces that keep them competitive. Adding a 1st (10-20 range) is a good sweetener to the Canucks who have a thin pool.

However, is Matheson the type of D they are after? I think they are after someone more defensively sound but not sure.

 

[Habs Halifax]

You guys seriously think the Canucks are trading Petersson to us for guys who are underachieving? Come on. Since when does a contender trade a top 6 forward at the deadline anyway? For them to do that, the Habs would need to give up a really good top 6 guy and they aren’t doing that. Plus, his production looks like it’s declining and he’s making over $10 million. Why take a chance on that?

It's what we would offer. Not exactly what we think he will return. Just because we are putting packages together, it don't really mean we think it will happen. Talk is cheap but that has to be comprehended well too

He's basically a 80 pts forward in his prime but has question marks surrounding him. Teams will most definitely inquire but how many will be desperate? The context here is his large AAV, signing bonus money, and the looming NMC that kicks in July 1st. Very talented yes but is not that gritty and a playoff warrior so there are things holding his value back for sure.

 

[VirginiaMtlExpat]

I have been thinking that this is a buy-low opportunity, but the $12m cost upends the salary equity among the team's top players, and that is a delicate balance. I'd rather have 6-7 top players with an understanding that the internal ceiling is around $8m, than strife around one $12m player that undermines this balance and pushes players to shatter this ceiling. I feel that Demidov or Hage could step into the 2C spot relatively soon, if Dach avails himself to be better suited at wing or as 3C. Perhaps KH can weaponize cap space and be involved in a 3-way that yields a consolation prize at 1RD or 2C other than Petersson, which is compliant with this internal ceiling.

 

[sampollock]

trade Math (use the pick or assets to get a centre or rh D)
trade Dvorak
sign Evans 6/4 mill
my three goals as GM

 

[TT1]

i don't think the team has the cap space to add someone like EP if we factor in the players we have coming in, Hutson is gonna get a big contract, Demidov is most likely gonna get a big 1 too and Reinbacher is another dark horse

and we also have to see what they wanna do with Laine, if you're not planning on resigning Laine then ya trading for EP is fine (ideally for something around Dach/Matheson).. EP gets underrated quite a bit, he's a stud defensive player too

 

[Deus ex machina]

I'm pretty sure any deal that would bring EP here would include Matheson. They have been on record looking for a top 4 PMD for weeks now.

If they want a center also, we have only Dach and Newhook that could fit the bill.

We would have to use one of Hage or Mailloux to round up the package. But I would be really reluctant to part with Hage, more so if Dach is in the deal.

The piece that doesn't work is the center, unless Dach is having a solid second half of the season.

So all in all, if the deal happens during the summer and Dach found his groove back in the second half of the season, a deal I would make is the following :

Matheson
Dach
Mailloux
Any other part needed to complete the deal (2026 pick or b prospect Ala Roy, Mesar, etc.)


I'd take Trocheck before MZ.

If Dach finds his groove back, they'll just keep him.

 

[Benstheman]

I agree with Hage. Not ideal to trade him before we know how good he will be.

Dach, Matheson, and a 1st is also another offer we can do without affecting our core too much.

If it's a 1/1 deal, we are out. Our approach is likely 3 pieces with Dach/Matheson as the NHL proven pieces that keep them competitive. Adding a 1st (10-20 range) is a good sweetener to the Canucks who have a thin pool.

However, is Matheson the type of D they are after? I think they are after someone more defensively sound but not sure.

I don't know if Matheson is the kind of D they are looking for. What I heard is they need a top 4 PMD because Hughes and Hronek are injured. So Matheson fits the bill.

Another thing I red on the main board is a deal of EP for Cozens and Byram, which Vancouver fans are looking to be ok with. Off course right now this package holds more value than Dach + Matheson but if Dach gets back to form in the second half of the season, I think it would be be a wash in terms of player quality. We would probably have to add a 1st pick because Matheson is older but in terms of immediate impact for a team tat is actually competing, it would be approximately the same.

 

[Sterling Archer]

I'm all for getting a top 10 player like Rantanen but it would only make sense if Demidov is seen as a top 6 center. If not, Laine is not coming back and you bet on Dach or Hage (in 3 years) to become your other top 6 C.

I agree but if you have that much depth up front, you effectively have 3 top 6 lines and a very effective 4th line. A murderers row of offence that comes at you in waves. Fit arguement sale, they keep their core players.

Cole Suzuki Slaf
Laine Dach Rantanen
Newhook Beck Demidov

Demidov can always move up the lineup when he’s more comfortable in the NHL or in case of injuries.

Also, can’t think of a better mentor to Slaf the. Rantanen.

 

[Benstheman]

If Dach finds his groove back, they'll just keep him.

Yeah most probably. But let's not kid ourselves by saying "back on track" Dach is as good as EP.

 

[TT1]

If Dach finds his groove back, they'll just keep him.

even if he gets his groove back Dach isn't close to EP's level, EP is 1 of the best 2 way centers in the league

the problem with EP is consistency, he'll give you strong defensive play but he's getting paid to be a 90-100 point player too.. but he'll give you 70-80 point seasons too, we're getting that in Suzuki at ~7.9M and he doesn't get injured

i'd be happy with EP at 9M~9.5M, 11.6 is a bit too rich for his injury risk/consistency problems

 

[Habs Halifax]

I don't know if Matheson is the kind of D they are looking for. What I heard is they need a top 4 PMD because Hughes and Hronek are injured. So Matheson fits the bill.

Another thing I red on the main board is a deal of EP for Cozens and Byram, which Vancouver fans are looking to be ok with. Off course right now this package holds more value than Dach + Matheson but if Dach gets back to form in the second half of the season, I think it would be be a wash in terms of player quality. We would probably have to add a 1st pick because Matheson is older but in terms of immediate impact for a team tat is actually competing, it would be approximately the same.

I don't think Cozens/Byram is far off from Dach/Matheson but it's a younger package which would be perceived better by fans. I would have no problem offering one of our 1sts rounders on top (after lottery). The 1st rounders we pick in this next draft are 3-5+ year solutions for the Habs. That does not have more value than EP in the now... even if he is soft or has question marks for playoff style hockey.

But yeah, we need to see more from Dach and see how he can regain his form in the 2nd half. Things can change

 

[Habs Halifax]

even if he gets his groove back Dach isn't close to EP's level, EP is 1 of the best 2 way centers in the league

the problem with EP is consistency, he'll give you strong defensive play but he's getting paid to be a 90-100 point player too.. but he'll give you 70-80 point seasons too

EP is basically a 80 pts center (career averages so far) but has a bit more to offer when he has a great season. He is not one of the best 2 way centers in the game. That is false. He is an offensive center that is OK in the 200' game but has "soft game" question marks at times.

Dach has a long way to go to reach his full potential yes. Where he maxes out at is anybody's guess. This is not a Dach/EP comparison solely but some will comprehend it that way. This is a 3/1 offer and we have to add on top of Dach.

People don't like it but Dach is the only proven NHL center we can offer which is why his name is in the mix. But make no mistake, Habs have to add sweeteners. Deepest I would go would be Dach and both our 1st rounders (after lottery). If that don't work, move on and I don't care about fans who want to belittle Dach or the package. It's the offer and that is it. If it don't measure up to other offers, its OK. relax

 

[sampollock]

Does KH get a vet centre or a young promising centre?

I vote vet. Need to stabilize PL and Demi next year.

 

[TT1]

EP is basically a 80 pts center (career averages so far) but has a bit more to offer when he has a great season. He is not one of the best 2 way centers in the game. That is false. He is an offensive center that is OK in the 200' game but has "soft game" question marks at times.

Dach has a long way to go to reach his full potential yes. Where he maxes out at is anybody's guess. This is not a Dach/EP comparison solely but some will comprehend it that way. This is a 3/1 offer and we have to add on top of Dach.

People don't like it but Dach is the only proven NHL center we can offer which is why his name is in the mix. But make no mistake, Habs have to add sweeteners. Deepest I would go would be Dach and both our 1st rounders (after lottery). If that don't work, move on and I don't care about fans who want to belittle Dach or the package. It's the offer and that is it. If it don't measure up to other offers, its OK. relax

among the centers with high offensive production he's definitely 1 of the best defensive ones, much better than Matthews for example, he's basically more of a goal scoring center version of Marner

 

[Sasha Orlov]

If Dach finds his groove back, they'll just keep him.

His groove back? Like his career high 38 points groove back? Lmao

 

[sampollock]

among the centers with high offensive production he's definitely 1 of the best defensive ones, much better than Matthews for example, he's basically more of a goal scoring center version of Marner

figs. lol

 

[Habs Halifax]

among the centers with high offensive production he's definitely 1 of the best defensive ones, much better than Matthews for example, he's basically more of a goal scoring center version of Marner

Defensive measuring on centers can be flawed due to team D/goaltending. I would consider EP below someone like Matthews in that area when you compare the 80+ pts centers.

What measures or context do you have that indicates EP ahead of Matthews in the defensive area of the game a center provides? How do you factor in his soft style at times?

On a scale of 1/10...
* I'd give EP a 8.5 or 9/10 for offensive ability.
* I'd give EP a 6/10 for defensive ability.

Definitely interested in EP but I don't consider him a complete 200' center. My attraction is the offense he brings with his left handed shot/one timer. I'd be willing to go deep with our futures on top of Dach who is the only center we can offer that is young and playing in the NHL.

If the Islanders offer Barzal, forget about the idea of EP to Montreal. Canucks would take that offer IMO.

Any other 1/1 trades we are not seeing as a potential?

 

[TT1]

Defensive measuring on centers can be flawed due to team D/goaltending. I would consider EP below someone like Matthews in that area when you compare the 80+ pts centers.

What measures or context do you have that indicates EP ahead of Matthews in the defensive area of the game a center provides? How do you factor in his soft style at times?

my eyes

this team definitely needs another Suzuki type center and there aren't a lot of those in the league, EP is available but he's getting paid a lot, another player is Robert Thomas but STL isn't trading him.. not a lot of options at these type of guys

of course the dream (factoring in $$) is getting someone like Eriksson Ek but again these guys aren't getting moved, maybe Beck could turn into this type of player but that's asking a lot

ironically we're talking about this type of center while also talking about trading Evans (basically bottom 6 C with similar play)

 

[Habs Halifax]

my eyes

this team definitely needs another Suzuki type center and there aren't a lot of those in the league, EP is available but he's getting paid a lot, another player is Robert Thomas but STL isn't trading him.. not a lot of options at these type of guys

Hey, I'm interested in EP as well but no way I'm going to pump up his defensive side. I'd say slightly above average for the 80+ pts centers but very high grade for offensive ability.

I agree the Blues will keep Thomas like we would with Suzuki. It's a gamble for teams to trade the center they developed who are on cheaper contracts for EP who has a NMC that kicks in July. You got to be sure he fits your core and locker room. Some GM's will be concerned about this for sure. It's a very large AAV with lots of signing bonus structure and after July 1st, you got to learn to live with what you got (good or bad).

 

[Vachon23]

my eyes

Not only yours…

Most of the hockey expert was putting him in the list of the best defensive forward

 

[Deus ex machina]

Yeah most probably. But let's not kid ourselves by saying "back on track" Dach is as good as EP.

Remains to be seen.
There's other considerations too, like cap hit/salary structure, character, attitude and playoff performance.

 

[TT1]

looks like this discussion is pointless cus Miller might get moved to NYR, Vancouver wants to keep EP

 

[Rapala]

You guys seriously think the Canucks are trading Petersson to us for guys who are underachieving? Come on. Since when does a contender trade a top 6 forward at the deadline anyway? For them to do that, the Habs would need to give up a really good top 6 guy and they aren’t doing that. Plus, his production looks like it’s declining and he’s making over $10 million. Why take a chance on that?

The first player they would ask for in a transaction for Petersson would be Suzuki.