HF Habs: Trade Proposal Thread 92 Waiting on the DRAFT Edition

[Benstheman]

Kyrou's NHL profile lists him at 6'1" and 196 lbs. That's not small. Furthermore, here are Kyrou's stats this year and his 4 previous seasons:

2020-21 (his first full season in the NHL): 14 goals and 25 pts in 55 GP (pace of 21 goals and 51 pts)
2021-22: 27 goals and 75 pts in 74 GP
2022-23: 37 goals and 73 pts in 79 GP
2023-24: 31 goals and 67 pts in 82 GP

This year, he has 27 goals and 56 pts in 68 GP (pace of 33 goals and 68 pts)

Habs could use a "not high end skill" player like that in their Top-6.

A Top-6 of Cole - Nick - Slaf / Kyrou - legit 2C - Demidov.... this could really transform the team.

I would like Kyrou but frankly, I prefer spending our assets (picks, prospects and cap space) on 2C and top 4 RHD.

If the plan is to sign a short/mid term solution at center through UFA, like Duchene or Granlund, to let Hage develops properly, I wouldn't be against getting a solid top 6 forward like Kyrou through trade. But I don't see St-louis trading him for futures. That's the problem here.

 

[BergevinBurner]

Kyrou's NHL profile lists him at 6'1" and 196 lbs. That's not small. Furthermore, here are Kyrou's stats this year and his 4 previous seasons:

2020-21 (his first full season in the NHL): 14 goals and 25 pts in 55 GP (pace of 21 goals and 51 pts)
2021-22: 27 goals and 75 pts in 74 GP
2022-23: 37 goals and 73 pts in 79 GP
2023-24: 31 goals and 67 pts in 82 GP

This year, he has 27 goals and 56 pts in 68 GP (pace of 33 goals and 68 pts)

Habs could use a "not high end skill" player like that in their Top-6.

A Top-6 of Cole - Nick - Slaf / Kyrou - legit 2C - Demidov.... this could really transform the team.

The problem is that our position of strength right now is on the wing. Between Slaf, Caufield, Demidov and Laine we have very high end wingers for the top 6 going into next season.

Our weakness is RHD and centers, so why would we sell the farm to trade for a winger(one that happens to be significantly softer than either Caufield or Laine).

 

[Scriptor]

But Kyrou is 6’1, almost 200 lbs.

When you say he’s small, do you mean he plays small, he’s too soft?

Also, you call him a winger but he also plays centre — is he that bad of a C?

Just saw that he shoots R and we’d need a lefty C, so that might be something that makes him less appealing.

If I could get my hands on Kyrou for futures, as suggested by the quoted Eliott bit (first round pick and a top prospect, or a good, young affordable forward), I would definitely do it and play Kyrou at C with Laine and Demidov next year.

At worst, it doesn't work out with Kyrou as the 2C solution and, if Laine isn't extendeda, Kyrou re


turns to wing as a more than ample replacement for the Finn when Hughes adds a C through free agency next year.

Possible UFA candidates, then, who can play C:

Necas
Glass
Kempe
Eichel
Geekie
Schmaltz
Wennberg
Frost
Jenner

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

But Kyrou is 6’1, almost 200 lbs.

When you say he’s small, do you mean he plays small, he’s too soft?

Also, you call him a winger but he also plays centre — is he that bad of a C?

Just saw that he shoots R and we’d need a lefty C, so that might be something that makes him less appealing.

Hasn't played centre this year and might be a bit of an issue to get back into it.

He's definitely a bit soft, but also seen that he's listed at 6'0/5'11. Dame height, but not as thick as slick Nick.

Being right is a bit of an issue, but a top 6 centre that's around 6'3 would be great, but also not that easy to get.

Habs will need to bring in a centre whos really good in the dot, unless the Habs are bringing Dvorak back for a massive pay cut.

Kyrou is a decent option, might be the most realistic, too.

If Kyrou can go back to centre, the habs could go with Suzuki, Kyrou and another player of similar skill and have a really nice depth chart at centre costing them like maybe 22 mill for their centres.

 

[Deebs]

When is the last time Kyrou played Center on a regular basis....Junior?

 

[Laboeuf]

Matthew Knies is a winger we can target this summer.
6’3”227 LW age 22, he’s an RFA and Toronto resigning Marner.

Depending on Sean Monahan we can circle back $5.5 mil for a second line center is a bargain.

Slafkovsky Suzuki Caufield
Demidov Monahan Laine
Knies Newhook Dach
Heineman Beck Evans
Kapanen

We need to unload Gallagher and Anderson

 

[Deebs]

Matthew Knies is a winger we can target this summer.
6’3”227 LW age 22, he’s an RFA and Toronto resigning Marner.

Depending on Sean Monahan we can circle back $5.5 mil for a second line center is a bargain.

Slafkovsky Suzuki Caufield
Demidov Monahan Laine
Knies Newhook Dach
Heineman Beck Evans
Kapanen

We need to unload Gallagher and Anderson

Would love Knies but he'll re-sign with the Leafs.

Money is signed for another 4 years....and is the definition of an injury prone player.

 

[Adam Michaels]

Will Jordan Kyrou be on the market in the off season?

Back on Feb. 25th:

“On Feb. 8, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Blues were willing to talk about their players with other clubs. Two weeks later, his colleague Nick Kypreos listed Brayden Schenn, Pavel Buchnevich and Jordan Kyrou as trade candidates.”

Blues were/ are apparently retooling, so why dispose of the contract of a 26-year old — is it the no trade clause kicking in on July 1st?

“Kyrou is in the second year of his eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.13 million. He has a no-trade clause that begins on July 1.”

Do the Habs have what it takes and how far would they go?

“With the Blues retooling their roster, they could seek a first-round pick and a top prospect or a good young affordable forward.”

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...ts-blues-forward-jordan-kyrou-amid-nhl-rumors

I'm all for Kyrou. That's a player that can really help with the offense, even if he's on the wing. Having someone on your Top-6 who can score anywhere between 25-35 goals and between 65-75 pts as has been the trend he's on since he's been a full-time NHL'er can really propell the Habs to another level.

As you mentioned, after this year, he has 6 years left on his deal at an $8.125M AAV. He turns 27 in a few weeks.

Speaking of Kyrou, on the Sick Podcast, Eric Engels mentioned a week ago Jordan Kyrou as someone Habs could target. He added that he's just giving him as an example. But part of me thinks that maybe he has some knowledge, whether Habs get him or not, it's possible he mentioned him because he's heard his name.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

Honestly, the perfect guy to get would be Crosby. If Dubas wasn't so soft he'd burn it all down and retool on the fly, but he doesn't want to be the bad guy that's known for trading those guys away.

I'm really looking forward to this summer. We're in the market and ready to play. I think Kent's comments about not being drunken sailors makes a lot of sense. We're not going to sign a Chandler Stephenson to a 7 year deal for example. But I think he'll use our assets wisely to get us what we need.

Rebuilding is always an ownership prerogative. It has nothing to do with Dubas, as much as I dislike him.

 

[Laboeuf]

Would love Knies but he'll re-sign with the Leafs.

Money is signed for another 4 years....and is the definition of an injury prone player.

Toronto has been known to let 2nd tier players who’s not core 4 leave.
Hyman
Kadri
Bunting
Bertuzzi

If we offer Knies $5.5 mil don’t think Toronto cash strapped has a choice.

 

[Deebs]

Toronto has been known to let 2nd tier players who’s not core 4 leave.
Hyman
Kadri
Bunting
Bertuzzi

If we offer Knies $5.5 mil don’t think Toronto cash strapped has a choice.

I hear ya but I don't see them doing it this time around, especially with the Marner speculation that he's leaving. I love the player and would welcome him with open arms, I just can't see it happening.

I also love the idea of offer sheets and think it should become a common practice throughout the league. Who are FA Centers this upcoming summer?

 

[Ozmodiar]

Habs will need to bring in a centre whos really good in the dot, unless the Habs are bringing Dvorak back for a massive pay cut.

Kyrou is a decent option, might be the most realistic, too.

If Kyrou can go back to centre, the habs could go with Suzuki, Kyrou and another player of similar skill and have a really nice depth chart at centre costing them like maybe 22 mill for their centres.

Need a center who’s good on the dot … so, Kyrou??

Kyrou isn’t a center and rarely takes faceoffs. Laine takes more faceoffs.

 

[Scriptor]

Need a center who’s good on the dot … so, Kyrou??

Kyrou isn’t a center and rarely takes faceoffs. Laine takes more faceoffs.

There's the solution, then. Get Kyrou and play Laine at C.

 

[Saundies]

Rebuilding is always an ownership prerogative. It has nothing to do with Dubas, as much as I dislike him.

You're not wrong, but as President of Hockey Ops his job would be to sell ownership on a direction. Even when he took the job, everyone knew it was going to be hard to try to win again with the current core.

Unless a prerequisite for taking the job in the first place was that they were not rebuilding under any circumstances, in which case fair play.

 

[Ozmodiar]

When is the last time Kyrou played Center on a regular basis....Junior?

Didn’t he win an OHL award in sarnia for being the top scoring right winger?

 

[pepperMonkey]

Toronto has been known to let 2nd tier players who’s not core 4 leave.
Hyman
Kadri
Bunting
Bertuzzi

If we offer Knies $5.5 mil don’t think Toronto cash strapped has a choice.

Knies is their youngest rostered player. The team isn't getting younger. And their prospects, unless I'm mistaken, aren't what you would call a goldmine. They will do whatever they can, even if it means getting rid of other players (that isn't one of their superstars) if they need to, in-order to keep Knies. There is a better chance of Dvo getting a long-term contract with us than the Leafs entertaining the thought of trading/getting rid of Knies

 

[Deebs]

Didn’t he win an OHL award in sarnia for being the top scoring right winger?

Geez, maybe....so even further back than Junior then

 

[Rapala]

High risk or not, I can't see him being happy locking up on a long term deal with the cap set to sky rocket.

I have absolutely no interest in MM.
Mercenary Mitch would kill the idea we are building or dare I say demanding of players to understand and embrace the concept behind putting the team first. This is like the first commandment in the Hughes playbook. I expect nothing over the top and the negotiation with Evans has once again confirmed what we will and will not do.

 

[Leto]

You're not wrong, but as President of Hockey Ops his job would be to sell ownership on a direction. Even when he took the job, everyone knew it was going to be hard to try to win again with the current core.

Unless a prerequisite for taking the job in the first place was that they were not rebuilding under any circumstances, in which case fair play.

The word is (i.e., what insiders like Friedman have said about Dubas' mandate) that the Penguins ownership wants to keep the Big 3 and try to win until the team crashes out. From thereon out, the rebuild will begin. That's why Dubas signed a long contract (7 years I believe).​

 

[Ozmodiar]

Hughes made some interesting points:

- they want someone who can help now AND into the future … OR someone who can help now as a bridge.
- the Mtl market can now be used since they are up and coming, and good exposure with 4 Nations.

This opens up a broad range of ages, but rules out a prospect (Catton) / project (Zegras) / returning from injury player (Barzal). He wants help NOW, during Suzuki’s current contract.

He seemed confident in convincing players to come over. … likely referring to those who control their destination, UFA or NTC. There could be a 4 Nations angle here - Crosby, Marner, Bennett, Nelson.

Big off-season for him. He’ll likely make the biggest UFA / trade deal of his rebuild.

 

[Scriptor]

Still don't think Laine is staying with the Habs beyond next season. Kyrou would even be a valuable, dependable upgrade on the wing over Laine, IMO, as a dependable 30-goal scorer that brings more than just a shot on the PP, however good that shot is.

Kyrou and Laine are roughly the same age (a month difference) and Kyrou, at 8.125M for 6 more years after this one, comes cheaper than Laine currently does, plus is already signed, whereas a new contract needs to be worked out with laine beyond next season.

With wingers like Caufield, Kyrou, Laine, Slafkovsky and Demidov, IMO, you have zero problems attracting an UFA C who knows he will get valuable wingers to play with.

Otherwise, given the strength and goal-scoring prowess of your wingers, trade for a two-way, creative, playmaking C, from the soon-to-be UFA list I provided, That won't be too expensive to acquire and might just take-off once properly surrounded by goal-scoring talent in Montreal.

If we keep the line of Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky intact (don't fix what isn't broken), imagine Wennberg, Frost, or Glass between Demidov and Kyrou?

Wennberg (31):

SCOUTING REPORT

The Swedish center looks like he has the skills to be a high-end offensive player, but the numbers tell a different story. He is a solid playmaker with creativity and vision; he is good at finding open teammates. However, he needs to shoot more to keep opponents honest. He has never produced much on the power play despite ample ice time. Needs a finisher on his line. His defensive game is solid.

Long Range Potential: Inconsistent two-way center.

Frost (26):

SCOUTING REPORT

The two-time 100-point scorer in junior hockey has the speed and mobility to put points on the board in the NHL. He is a very good playmaker and has the skills to play solid two-way hockey. His biggest challenges, as he heads toward his prime, will be to add the strength needed to compete at the NHL level and continue to improve his play away from the puck.

Long Range Potential: Speedy playmaking forward with upside.

Glass (26):

SCOUTING REPORT

The No. 6 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft has the talent and size to be a quality top-six forward, but still has not put the pieces together (partly because of knee surgery that slowed his development). Owns excellent passing skills and is a creative playmaker who can log a solid two-way game. Has to get stronger and is still learning to use his body effectively to protect the puck. Must become more consistent from game to game.

Long Range Potential: Talented, inconsistent forward with untapped upside.

All three Cs haven't yet hit their full stride and, while Wennberg comes across as more of a stop-gap solution than either Frost or Glass, all three are solid two-way Cs with the creativity and playmaking skills to benefit from playing with Kyrou and Demidov as well as to benefit both Kyrou and Demidov!

Laine, IMO, still works out well on a third line with Heineman and Beck (they do all the physical and defensive dirty work), with a role on the 2nd PP wave.

We certainly have enough talent to populate two outstanding PP waves with snipers on both units and ice-time split up 50-50, eve alternating who starts each PP:

Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky - Demidov - Hutson
Laine - Wennberg/Frost/Glass - Heineman - Kyrou - Matheson/Guhle

A top-9 as follows would be had to stop:

Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky
Kyrou - Wennberg/Frost/Glass - Demidov
Heineman - Beck/Kapanen - Laine
Anderson - Evans - Gallagher

A combination of Newhook and one of Beck or Kapanen would be traded for the incoming C, along with a 2nd round pick.

 

[Vachon23]

Lundell would make a lot of sense if Florida resign Sam Bennett. They could need a young RD and there pick pool is very low

 

[Kobe Armstrong]

Let's just get it all done with one trade

Horvat + Dobson for Laine + Matheson + Mailloux + 1st + Roy/Mesar

Maybe throw in Kapanen, Newhook or another 1st

Slaf-Suzuki-Caufield
Newhook-Horvat-Demidov
Heineman-Evans-Anderson
Dach*-Beck-Gallagher

Hutson-Dobson
Guhle-Carrier
Xhekaj-Reinbacher

*if Dach is good ideally swap him with Newhook

Islanders have a super boring team so they get back some star power back with Laine and I think Matheson would kill it there having a similar role to what he had last season in Montreal. NYI is full of stay at home RHD so a Matheson - Dobson swap kind of makes sense as long as we are adding a big +.

 

[Sterling Archer]

If Demidov shocks the hockey world and re-signs with SKA, I would then give Marner whatever he wants.

He's rejected offers to extend multiple times and has been benched, apparently, because of this. He's dying to come to NA so I'd be SHOCKED and amazed if he didn't bolt the second he could. This also comes from several other people in Russia, coaches, team mates etc.

He's coming, baby!

 

[le_sean]

Lundell would make a lot of sense if Florida resign Sam Bennett. They could need a young RD and there pick pool is very low

I have a feeling they get everyone on a discount because of taxes so they are well-positioned to keep Lundell even if they re-sign Bennett. But he would be a great addition.