They can all slot into a lineup and fill a void, but you don't have 5 of them on your team as lines , that's the issue I have. I like Anderson still, I think he will bounce back. The rest of them are spare parts
Eh, the problem is more that Armia and Gallagher played more frequently as 2nd liners than bottom 6 guys. Drawing conclusions about guys because they play more than they should is dangerous.
Montreal's still rebuilding and have been pretty unfortunate with injuries. Newhook missed a lot of time, but doesn't have a lengthy injury history. Dach DOES have a lengthy injury history, but should be able to play more than 4 periods next season.
But I agree that Montreal's better off with another high pick, even if that shouldn't limit them from making moves to be more competitive now. Largely because the list of things that need to happen for them to even be competitive for a playoff spot is massive:
-Healthy Dach (and improved play)
-Generally better health
-Better shooting (and more shooting luck) for Caufield
-Growth from Slafkovsky, Newhook, Roy, etc.
-Growth from Guhle
-At least two (and probably 3) young D demonstrating an ability to play in the top-4
-No serious declines from vets like Matheson
-Continued strong goaltending
Not everything has to go right, but Montreal needs more to go right than most teams in the league (and arguably more than any other team in the East). This season is about starting to graduate prospect or giving them a taste of the NHL and looking for guys to lay a claim on roster spots on a more long term basis.