HF Habs: Trade Proposal Thread #89: 2024-2025 season part II

[Benstheman]

I'm thinking Nemec is a bust like Barron and Jiricek. I don't think those are in the right mold for this NHL.

Convince me otherwise if you want, but it's at least the conclusion of 1 NHL GM on Jiricek atm.

Nemec is not the same player as Jiricek and Barron is not even worth talking about with those 2.

Nemec is much more of a 2-way D than Jiricek. Way more solid defensively. So even if his offense doesn't translate that good in the NHL, he will still be a pretty solid defensive D.

Jiricek is much more of a boom/bust kinda prospect imo.

 

[vokiel]

Nemec is not the same player as Jiricek and Barron is not even worth talking about with those 2.

Nemec is much more of a 2-way D than Jiricek. Way more solid defensively. So even if his offense doesn't translate that good in the NHKL, he will still be a pretty solid defensive D.

Jiricek is much more of a boom/bust kinda prospect imo.

Then it would be weird for NJ not to keep him and putting him on the market. It just doesn't add up, like it wasn't adding up for Jiricek.

 

[Andrei79]

Maybe a 3 way trade can be made? That being said, as much as I’m enjoying this run and as much as I like Evans, if he’s gotta go in a trade for Nemec I think it’s a no brainer and then you hope that the team doesn’t suffer too much from it.

If Montreal is out of it at the TDL, I do that deal, but trading Evans when there's not a need this year for a RHD will be a killer in the lockeroom.

 

[Benstheman]

Then it would be weird for NJ not to keep him and putting him on the market. It just doesn't add up, like it wasn't adding up for Jiricek.

Jiricek wasn't doing good enough to play with Blue Jackets even tough their RHGD is not very good and even though they aren't a contending team (or at least we're not at the start of the season).

Nemec wasn't doing good enough to play with the Devils because they are contenders and probably favor playing Dmen with experience, hence why they traded for Kovacevic. But most of all, because of the quality of their 2 top 4 RHD, Nemec would have played limited minutes on the 3rd pair, which is not optimal for his development.

 

[morhilane]

Then it would be weird for NJ not to keep him and putting him on the market. It just doesn't add up, like it wasn't adding up for Jiricek.

Devils have 2 vet RHD signed until 2028 and 2030 + Seamus Casey who they seems higher on then Nemec (also a 2022 pick). And Kovacevic, that many NJ fans and pundits are saying they should extends.

Nemec is only playing on the Devils line-up if he can play on the left side at this point.

 

[Egresch]

If Montreal is out of it at the TDL, I do that deal, but trading Evans when there's not a need this year for a RHD will be a killer in the lockeroom.

Yes, it would be a tough decision, but Nemec would be the solution for top4 RHD for whole contending window and even big upgrade on Savard this year.

 

[Goalfield13]

NJD and Nemec is a unique situation. Devils were bad enough to get #2OA, but not really bad enough as a team to really stay in that position. They are contenders now. I would love Nemec playing next to Wifi right now on our third pair. I wonder what NJD needs that could entice them for a trade.

 

[Andrei79]

Yes, it would be a tough decision, but Nemec would be the solution for top4 RHD for whole contending window and even big upgrade on Savard this year.

He definitely wouldn't be a "big" upgrade on Savard. If he were, the Devils wouldn't have acquired Pesce and Kovacevic, nor would he have been sent down to the AHL. Savard has slowed down this year, but he's still a reliable and stabilizing presence. While it would make sense in the long term, you're still trading for magic beans and banking on a high pick who hasn't established himself in three years to become something you won't be able to acquire in the summer through free agency or the trade market. It's a high risk considering the objective this year is competing for a playoff spot until the end. Unless they're out of it at the TDL, I think it'll hurt the players trust in management, which seems to be very important considering how they're all buying in to the plan.

 

[Goalfield13]

Yes, it would be a tough decision, but Nemec would be the solution for top4 RHD for whole contending window and even big upgrade on Savard this year.

Hmm... If we make a trade with a focus around Evans+ for Nemec, we would have to keep Dvorak to play a bottom 6C role for this year, I think. We call up Beck and see how he does. Newhook would be plan B if Beck can't cut it yet. It would be a downgrade for sure, but Nemec taking a place next to Wifi would be an upgrade on Struble and allow us to trade Savard without issue. Who knows, maybe Beck with Armia on his wing will do just fine. Now, the question is, what is that + that goes with Evans?

 

[Guy Larose]

AVS make mistakes too....

 

[Goalfield13]

He definitely wouldn't be a "big" upgrade on Savard. If he were, the Devils wouldn't have acquired Pesce and Kovacevic, nor would he have been sent down to the AHL. Savard has slowed down this year, but he's still a reliable and stabilizing presence. While it would make sense in the long term, you're still trading for magic beans and banking on a high pick who hasn't established himself in three years to become something you won't be able to acquire in the summer through free agency or the trade market. It's a high risk considering the objective this year is competing for a playoff spot until the end. Unless they're out of it at the TDL, I think it'll hurt the players trust in management, which seems to be very important considering how they're all buying in to the plan.

Saying a D hasn't established himself after three years is a bit disingenuous. He's 20. He came over here to play in the AHL at 18. Most players are playing in juniors still for two of those three years, let alone playing D.

 

[The Great Weal]

Back to the subject, Nemec would definitely be enticing. I think Mailloux is who would go the other way, but I'm not too sure who else would be traded. NJ wants immediate help and Montreal is in a playoff race, they can't afford to send anyone.

It would likely have to be a three-way trade, with the Devils trading for instant help using the assets they get for us.

 

[Benstheman]

Nemec doing pretty good in the AHL right now. He is ready for NHL duty.

 

[Benstheman]

If HuGo think they can't resign Evans to what they judge being a reasonable extension and decide to trade him before the deadline, 1 rental I would look for to replace him, that wouldn't be to costly (probably a 3rd pick), is Yani Gourde in Seattle. near 50% in FO. Plays PK. Can produce offensively a bit and have lots of playoffs experience. He is not as big as Evans but he is feisty.

 

[Andrei79]

Saying a D hasn't established himself after three years is a bit disingenuous. He's 20. He came over here to play in the AHL at 18. Most players are playing in juniors still for two of those three years, let alone playing D.

It isn't disingenuous, because what I said was: banking on a high pick who hasn't established himself in three years. The high pick part is important. as you're still expecting a second overall to solidify his spot on the roster in year 3. If not and you have to point out draft year weakness or other factors, then you have to evaluate him as you would someone who was picked lower, meaning with a higher associated risk of not panning out. Hence why the risk trading for him has to be carefully weighted with how important their season objective is.

It would likely have to be a three-way trade, with the Devils trading for instant help using the assets they get for us.

That would make sense. What kind of asset would you send while managing the locker and the current run ?

 

[morhilane]

AVS make mistakes too....

No guy survived being the Avs #2 center in the last few years.

 

[Goalfield13]

I don't see the Devils wanting a D back in a trade. They are stacked there and have a lot of money tied up on D with Hughes still an RFA.

There's too much smoke with Evans. They want him. If we want Nemec, we need to start with Evans. NJD will be able to sign him pretty easily after the fact.

They have a lot of wingers going UFA after this season. Maybe they will be interested in Roy.

If we can swing a deal quickly, they may be interested in a pick they can use at the TDL.

Evans, Roy + a pick?

 

[The Great Weal]

That would make sense. What kind of asset would you send while managing the locker and the current run ?

I just can't see the Devils trading Nemec for immediate help unless it's a rushed trade. Unless this reaches a new level of toxicity, it's likely an offseason trade.

That being said if they do accept future assets as they already know what to use the assets on, the obvious 1sts/Roy/Mailloux would be the assets. It should be comparable to the Jiricek trade.

 

[Goalfield13]

It isn't disingenuous, because what I said was: banking on a high pick who hasn't established himself in three years. The high pick part is important. as you're still expecting a second overall to solidify his spot on the roster in year 3. If not and you have to point out draft year weakness or other factors, then you have to evaluate him as you would someone who was picked lower, meaning with a higher associated risk of not panning out. Hence why the risk trading for him has to be carefully weighted with how important their season objective is.


That would make sense. What kind of asset would you send while managing the locker and the current run ?

I am saying the three years is irrelevant, as is his draft position. He's done well in the AHL and has had flashes at the NHL already. He's a damn good prospect that is currently getting blocked as the team he is on is stacked at D. He should be getting reps at the NHL level and would be if his team wasn't a contender. I understand what you are saying, but it feels you are downplaying the player a bit too much.

 

[Andrei79]

I just can't see the Devils trading Nemec for immediate help unless it's a rushed trade. Unless this reaches a new level of toxicity, it's likely an offseason trade.

That being said if they do accept future assets as they already know what to use the assets on, the obvious 1sts/Roy/Mailloux would be the assets. It should be comparable to the Jiricek trade.

I see two scenarios: They find an asset at the TDL that they feel can push them towards the cup (likely with the potential for term) or, as you're suggesting, an offseason trade. Unless this team falters, the most likely scenario I see working is an offseason trade, probably with a third party. Mailloux would likely have to be dealt as well. Roy I don't think is worth anything.

 

[The Great Weal]

I will also say that sometimes you shouldn't shy away from risking to make the room unhappy if it's such a slam-dunk of a trade for the team. I remember when Guhle was pretty upset about Barron getting traded. Looking back, imagine if Hughes went "okay I don't want to upset this tight group so I won't trade him".

 

[Andrei79]

I am saying the three years is irrelevant, as is his draft position. He's done well in the AHL and has had flashes at the NHL already. He's a damn good prospect that is currently getting blocked as the team he is on is stacked at D. He should be getting reps at the NHL level and would be if his team wasn't a contender. I understand what you are saying, but it feels you are downplaying the player a bit too much.

Well, I don't see how I've downplayed him aside from mentioning his risk, which I don't see how its arguable. If he didn't have that risk, he wouldn't be brought up as a trade candidate. The reason he's targeted here is due to him being a second overall pick, but he's not living up to that ranking and shouldn't be look at with that lens. I still think he has high potential and would be a good fit, but what I'm saying is it has to make sense and multiple factors have to be carefully weighted unless management and the scouting staff is convinced he's surefire first pairing RHD.

 

[Goalfield13]

Well, I don't see how I've downplayed him aside from mentioning his risk, which I don't see how its arguable. If he didn't have that risk, he wouldn't be brought up as a trade candidate. The reason he's targeted here is due to him being a second overall pick, but he's not living up to that ranking and shouldn't be look at with that lens. I still think he has high potential and would be a good fit, but what I'm saying is it has to make sense and multiple factors have to be carefully weighted unless management and the scouting staff is convinced he's surefire first pairing RHD.

I don't agree that he is being targeted because he was #2OA. He's done very well as a 20 year old prospect at the AHL level, and has shown flashes at the NHL level. I don't care about his draft position. The Devils are making a mistake with him, IMO. If he is available, we should jump on it.

 

[Andrei79]

I will also say that sometimes you shouldn't shy away from risking to make the room unhappy if it's such a slam-dunk of a trade for the team. I remember when Guhle was pretty upset about Barron getting traded. Looking back, imagine if Hughes went "okay I don't want to upset this tight group so I won't trade him".

Oh please, that's not even remotely relevant.

 

[The Great Weal]

Oh please, that's not even remotely relevant.

When people are saying they wouldn't change a thing right now and not disrupt the lockerroom, I find it very relevant.