HF Habs: Trade Proposal Thread #89: 2024-2025 season part II
- Thread starter MarkovsKnee
- Start date
-
Work is still on-going to rebuild the site styling and features. Please report any issues you may experience so we can look into it. Click Here for Updates
BigDaddyLurch
Exiled from Reality
...we need to set up a three-way trade with the Flames and Sabres...we get Cozens, the Flames get Matheson +, and the Sabres get...??...someone smarter than I needs to figure this one out... 
Possibly, but what is sure is that it is not a move the Habs should make.
Monty's contract length fits very well with our current goalie timeline.
Dobes gets up to 2.5 years to solidify himself as a NHL goalie taking more and more of the net while Monty is there to be either #1/#1A/#1B.
After that, Monty goes and Fowler with up to 2 AHL years of experience gets the backup role until he can take the reigns from Dobes.
If Fowler explodes as a pro, you could even have a situation where you trade Monty early and promote Fowler. Or Dobes clearly overtakes Monty and you can go with some cheaper placeholder while getting value for Monty.
There are very few situation where trading Monty now makes sense. The most likely scenario is that Monty is a Habs until July 1st 2027 and then go for a big payday (overpaid or not remains to be seen) from another team.
Ozmodiar
Registered User
- Oct 18, 2017
- 6,584
- 8,025
| Need | in-house Solution |
| top-6 offence piece | Demidov |
| RD depth | Prospects (DR, LM) develop |
| Center depth/stability | Dach progress / Hage Develop |
I can see them adding a 2c soon.
Then deal or sign Evans closer to deadline, depending on salary demands and standings.
RD can be taken care of in the off-season if they’re impatient.
HuGort
Registered User
Satian Shah was on Kyper last night. Already not the best of friends, Pettersson didn't show up to camp in great shape. Miller showed up in great condition. JT tried to encourage him to do more. Pettersson said he had tendonitis in his knee which held back his off season training. Other players said Miller was right to question him but went about it wrong way.
Other teams are trying to get them dirt cheap. Management considered tearing it all down but decided to build around Hughes. They trying to get more value back but it's affecting the team. Not a good situation.
sampollock
Registered User
mIller is a gamer. Pettersson may have taken the money and now is a diva
Where will this 2C materialize from?
The needs are:
1) Top-6, game-breaking option, with Demidov being the potential solution that reaches that level within three years.
We definitely need this type of player to to break the opponents' backs when we already have a lead, to take a lead when then game is tied, or to even things out when we are down by a goal.
It will give the team the confidence to keep playing hard because a game will never be out of reach.
2) A 60-70 point 2C to fully exploit the quality wingers at our disposal; Caufield, Slafkovsky, Demidov, Laine.
Dach is the project at the moment, and can , hopefully, fill the role as soon as next season, while staying healthy in the future.
There is no doubt that henhasmthe talent to hopefully get to that point, but a veteran C with a few years of mileage left in the tank would not hurt, just in case. We'd still be able to move forward with that veteran C while Hage, or the Habs' 2025 pick(s) from the first round could be the next projects rising through the ranks.
As early as next year, we need a solution at C for the second line, whether it comes from within or from outside the system, in order for all the forwards to continue to progress and have a higher chance of reaching their projected ceilings.
Forwards like Hage and whomever we pick in 2025 can then become truly skilled depth and needn't be rushed into roles they aren't yet ready to play.
3) The real question mark on this team will be the RD situation. Right now, other than a strong depth RD in Carrier, who can support as talented LHD on a 2nd pairing, if need be, while being better suited for a 3rd pairing role, we have nothing.
Reinbacher, while touted to fill a top-4 role, at worst (wishful thinking until proven true?), would only be ONE of TWO RHDs needed for the top-4.
The good news is that the Habs can look for a shutdown RHD rather than a true #2, offensive powerhouse at RD since such a defensive RHD could complement a more offensive LHD like Hutson and do the trick.
Even if Reinbacher turns out to be just a shutdown RHD as well, we could pair him up with Guhle as a 1st pairing that faces off against opponents' best players to kill their offense.
4) Center depth stability can come in many forms from within, whether it is via Beck, Kapanen, Davidson, F.Xhekaj (both prospects have played C), or via a C selected at the 2025 draft, but getting Evans inked to a 4 year contract, for the medium term while all these prospects continue to develop, would not hurt this team, provided the dollar figure attached to the contract is not ridiculous.
I'd prefer to keep Evans if I knew that each would do the trick as a 2C, but getting an extra 1st round pick could enable Hughes to move up at the draft and pick a genuine 2C.
5) Great G tandem: The current 1A,1B tandem of Montembeault - Dobes does the trick. The key is to keep the cost down for the G position while always still having a chance to win, game in, game out. Saving at that position (no more than 7M total for both Gs) will allow Hughes to amass more skill and have more useful depth both up front and on the back end.
As it stands, if Dobes plays consistently as he has played so far in his first NHL stint, we can keep that cost down and still have enough skill at the G position too contend against the better teams.
Dobes will be a RFA next season and should be inked to a 3-year deal as a 2nd NHL contract that would keep him as a RFA for another year at the end of the deal. A 2.5M contract should be relatively easy to sign for a G who has little NHL experience to back up his claim to more coin.
That would leave a combined 5.65M price tag for the G position. Montembeault would be an UFA during the final year of Dobes' 2nd NHL contract.
As a 31-yr-old G for the start of a future contract, Montembeault might see a slight raise if he is still considered the #1G by then, but we might also be seeing the beginning of Fowler in a competition with Dobes for the #1G role.
I'd personally be fine with a 1A, 1B tandem if Fowler is up to the task since modern hockey can benefit from Gs staying fresh with a nearly even work load between the pipes.
Using the Jacques Lemaire approach back when with the winning G keeping the net would create a healthy internal competition and keep both Gs fresh.
sampollock
Registered User
I wish MIller would move his clause... he would be a plus for this team
if that is true. best make a deal before another guy bites it and gets hurt
ahmedou
DOU
- Oct 7, 2017
- 21,290
- 22,979
Trevor Zegras: Trade Rumors NHL Teams
Montreal Canadiens
New York Rangers
Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings
Philadelphia Flyers
Buffalo Sabres
Montreal Canadiens
New York Rangers
Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings
Philadelphia Flyers
Buffalo Sabres
DAChampion
Registered User
- May 28, 2011
- 30,529
- 22,168
I asked DeepSeek about Habs' options for acquiring an RHD. I've been having fun with the AI posts, but I'll take a break after this one as it may be annoying people.
The Montreal Canadians need a right-handed defenseman, at least for the duration of this season and perhaps even subsequent seasons. What are some players around the league that may be both effective and available? They might be available if, for example, their teams have expiring contracts, are low on salary cap room, or have more right handed defenseman than they need.
@Kobe Armstrong , the AI used the term "bargain bin" in it's response. I think that confirms that it reads the forum.
The Montreal Canadians need a right-handed defenseman, at least for the duration of this season and perhaps even subsequent seasons. What are some players around the league that may be both effective and available? They might be available if, for example, their teams have expiring contracts, are low on salary cap room, or have more right handed defenseman than they need.
1. Rental Targets (Expiring Contracts)
Teams looking to shed pending UFAs for draft capital:- Chris Tanev (Calgary Flames)
- Role: Shutdown defensive defenseman, blocks shots, PK specialist.
- Contract: $4.5M AAV (UFA 2024).
- Why Available: Calgary may sell assets if they fall out of playoff contention.
- Cost: 2nd-round pick + mid-tier prospect (e.g., Jayden Struble).
- Sean Walker (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Role: Mobile two-way defenseman, strong breakout passes.
- Contract: $2.65M AAV (UFA 2024).
- Why Available: Flyers overperforming but may cash in on his career year.
- Cost: 2nd-round pick + B-level prospect.
- Matt Dumba (Arizona Coyotes)
- Role: Physical, right-side depth with playoff experience.
- Contract: $3.9M AAV (UFA 2024).
- Why Available: Arizona is a seller; Dumba is a pure rental.
- Cost: 3rd-round pick.
- Ilya Lyubushkin (Anaheim Ducks)
- Role: Gritty, stay-at-home RHD.
- Contract: $2.75M AAV (UFA 2024).
- Why Available: Ducks are rebuilding and will flip him for picks.
- Cost: 4th-round pick.
2. Players with Term (1+ Years Remaining)
Teams needing cap relief or with RHD logjams:- Erik Černák (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Role: Physical top-4 shutdown defenseman.
- Contract: $5.2M AAV through 2030.
- Why Available: Tampa is perpetually cap-strapped and might offload his long-term deal.
- Cost: 1st-round pick + prospect (e.g., Logan Mailloux).
- Nick Jensen (Washington Capitals)
- Role: Reliable two-way defenseman, strong skater.
- Contract: $4.05M AAV through 2025.
- Why Available: Washington could retool; Jensen is expendable.
- Cost: 2nd-round pick + mid-prospect.
- Colin Miller (New Jersey Devils)
- Role: Depth puck-mover, power-play upside.
- Contract: $1.85M AAV (UFA 2025).
- Why Available: Devils have Dougie Hamilton, Simon Nemec, and John Marino crowding RHD.
- Cost: 3rd-round pick.
- Justin Schultz (Seattle Kraken)
- Role: Offensive-minded RHD, PP contributor.
- Contract: $3M AAV (UFA 2024).
- Why Available: Seattle’s playoff hopes fading; Schultz is a rental with term flexibility.
- Cost: 3rd-round pick.
3. Under-the-Radar Options
- Troy Stecher (Arizona Coyotes)
- Role: Cheap depth RHD.
- Contract: $1.1M AAV (UFA 2024).
- Cost: 5th-round pick.
- Andrew Peeke (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Role: Young(ish) defensive defenseman buried in Columbus.
- Contract: $2.75M AAV through 2026.
- Why Available: Blue Jackets have multiple RHD (Boqvist, Gudbranson, Jiricek).
- Cost: 3rd-round pick.
Best Fits for Montreal
- Short-Term Fix: Chris Tanev or Sean Walker – Both stabilize the defense this season without long-term risk.
- Long-Term Solution: Nick Jensen or Erik Černák – Provide stability beyond 2024, though Černák’s contract is risky.
- Bargain Bin: Ilya Lyubushkin – Adds toughness for minimal cost.
Trade Strategy
- Leverage Cap Space: Montreal can absorb full salaries, reducing the asset cost.
- Target Sellers: Arizona, Anaheim, Calgary, and Philadelphia are clear sellers.
- Package Mid-Round Picks: Avoid moving 1st-rounders unless for a young RHD with term (e.g., Černák).
@Kobe Armstrong , the AI used the term "bargain bin" in it's response. I think that confirms that it reads the forum.
Gaylord Q Tinkledink
Registered User
- Apr 29, 2018
- 35,560
- 39,491
Kosseca
Registered User
- Feb 23, 2020
- 1,458
- 1,332
I think you need 2 RD, unless Hutson become as effective there. You need to replace Savard and you need a D partner that can play with Hutson that can bring physical play/grit without compromising the transition game.
Reinbacher may take one of these two spot, but I dont think Mailloux is the partner for Hutson.
Kobe Armstrong
Registered User
- Jul 26, 2011
- 16,359
- 7,579
I think it got confused with last year's free agent list because Tanev, Dumba, etc were all UFA's that signed
DAChampion
Registered User
- May 28, 2011
- 30,529
- 22,168
You're right, that jives with another mistake I noticed. I think it's stuck in summer 2024. I had to reprompt it to take into account roster moves through to January 2025.
Thank you !
Here's a reduced list:
Best Fits for Montreal
- Short-Term Fix: Cody Ceci – Low-risk rental to stabilize the defense for a playoff push.
- Long-Term Solution: John Marino – Controllable top-4 RHD who fits Montreal’s timeline.
- Value Play: Andrew Peeke – Cheap term with upside for a 3rd-round pick.
sampollock
Registered User
Ceci sucks bad. he will get roasted on this ste
Ozmodiar
Registered User
- Oct 18, 2017
- 6,584
- 8,025
They have 2 spots and 2 prospects (1st rounders).
I think they’ll wait for one but not both. DR takes over from MM. LM traded for a steady 2nd pairing guy to play with Hutson.
sampollock
Registered User
I dont think KH will trade before the draft
wants to see where the team finishes first
wants to see where the team finishes first
antiqueslivers
Registered User
- Apr 16, 2015
- 2,414
- 2,293
If Laine is going to be resigned here I'd try and sign Ehlers. Ehlers was great with laine on the jets and has only gotten better.
sampollock
Registered User
demi needs a centre really good one.
thing is who?
and
short time centre or longer term?
thing is who?
and
short time centre or longer term?
HuGort
Registered User
sampollock
Registered User
Miller is a good player but I find him selfish and a bad leader. Yelling at people and throwing tantrums isn't good leadership. It's what bad leaders think good leadership is. Miller can stay far away from the Habs lockerroom
Whitesnake
If you rebuild, they will come.
- Jan 5, 2003
- 91,389
- 41,049
Tank mode is back. You cannot have that D without Guhle. You need another top end Lefty in that lineup.
Wasted opportunity. Everybody and their mother knew that this team was playing over their head. And while they might not also be as bad as we see, they are not a mix team. We need more forwards and now, we need to go after a top 2 left D.
sampollock
Registered User
BergevinBurner
Registered User
- Sep 27, 2019
- 2,007
- 4,742
That's one thing I'm pretty fixated on now as well. I think we very clearly need a 2C and an experienced, defensively sound defenseman that can play top 4 minutes(another Carrier).
If we're looking for a short term option to buy time for one of Dach/Hage/Beck to prove themselves I'd be leaning Malkin heavily(if Pittsburgh ever commits to a rebuild). If we're looking at a long term solution then there aren't that many great options.
Cozens would be very high on my list. Buffalo's likely looking to shake things up and I'd love it if we could get him, but with Buffalo being a divisional rival the chances are slim.
I think my #1 choice would be Lundell out of Florida, especially if they extend Bennett and he's backlogged behind him and Barkov. I think he has all the tools to be a solid 2C if given the chance. Again, with Florida being a divisional rival I know it's almost 100% not going to happen, but if you package something around Evans++ for Lundell I'd be all over it. From Florida's perspective they'd be getting a slight downgrade at 3C as far as pure offense goes, but they'd be adding one of the top penalty killers in the league and freeing up some cap space while they're at it. Obviously something like that could only happen if there's something else we have that they want, like one of our 1st rounders or prospects.
Latest posts
-
-
Prospect Info: '24-'25 Prospects Thread: Generation Z- Latest: CheckingLineCenter
-
