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

[themilosh]

We're not drafting top 5, so any player we draft this year, in a weak draft, has lower or equal chances to become 2C than Hage, Beck and Kapanen.

You can cross off Beck.. either Kaps or Hage hits.. Beck is a stellar 3rd line C in 2 years.. he has nothing alerting to potential top 6

 

[Miller Time]

Zegras is back playing very good hockey.

Much to the chagrin of many, I really have a gut feeling Zegras will be a hab next season. And to be honest, while I wasn't first keen on the idea, I have softened and wouldn't be upset if that's how it plays out. He seems to fit much of the criteria of the HUGO playbook and could theoretically be cost effective in regards to the price tag to acquire him.

Just saying don't be surprised if this is what ends up happening. He's uberly skilled with tons of upside that both Marty and I believe Demidov could help foster.

A change of scenery for him could do a world of good.

Welcome to the Darkside lol

If there were betting odds on what top 6 forward we acquire this summer, the smart money would be on Zegras

He's been playing pretty well since returning from injury. If he does end up in Montreal next season I bet he's back to being considered one of the top U25 players in the game.

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

I don't see Zegras a good influence as a center around for Laine and Demidov.
Seems like a center that needs 2 veteran wingers to make him shine.

Need someone with more a better leader with like a good ethic like Suzuki. Never complains , always giving his best. Gotta find a center that boost his wingers skills. Zegras is not it.

The skill is there but he seems like more of a hothead than anything

 

[HabbyGuy]

Zegras is back playing very good hockey.

Welcome to the Darkside lol

If there were betting odds on what top 6 forward we acquire this summer, the smart money would be on Zegras

He's been playing pretty well since returning from injury. If he does end up in Montreal next season I bet he's back to being considered one of the top U25 players in the game.

LOL I wouldn't say I've completely gone to the darkside, there are definitely questions and possible pitfalls to the idea of Zegras in Montreal, It's just that I also recognise a path where this could also be a rewarding endeavour. There's not a ton of available 2C's out there, and certainly not one's in this age group with the talent the like Zegras possesses. I honestly couldn't think of a better coach or locker room for Trevor to be supported by, so he would have everything he'd need for a fresh start.

Is it a guarantee to work? No.

Is he superbly talented? Yes.

Is he a polarizing player? Yes.

All I'm saying is considering the lack of options out there, and the glaring need for a 2C, as witnessed this season, that Zegras could potentially check alot of boxes. The habs want to play an up-tempo offensive brand of hockey, Zegras can do that. His age fits well with the core and the potential swag of Demidov, Hutson, and Zegras could be truly entertaining to witness.

I have no doubt that HUGO have entertained this idea. This is why it won't surprise me in the least that this may be the route they take.

 

[Rob Sense]

The crazies in here thinking a rebuild takes 8 years is insane.

We're in year 4. It's over starting next year, and with the cap going up, anything less than addressing 2C and 1RHD fir immediate effect is grand larceny by management.. we are going to chalkenge for the Cup starting next year, and for the following 10 years.

Anything short of this is pathetic.

I think the crazies are the ones who think we are in the finals next year. Our "star" players are 22 yo or less and some not yet in the league! Our defense is not set. Our #1 Goalie is still in college. We are not going to slip a fast one on a team for McDavid. Our big moves will be free agent signings, fringe players and developing our team once our rebuild pillars are actually in the NHL. Suzuki will be close to 30 when this happens which is not a bad thing. I am not pessimistic quite the contrary but realism has to take hold at some point. Look at where Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Dallas are and how many years it took for them to go from basement to contenders...and they have not won a thing yet.

 

[le_sean]

I think the crazies are the ones who think we are in the finals next year. Our "star" players are 22 yo or less and some not yet in the league! Our defense is not set. Our #1 Goalie is still in college. We are not going to slip a fast one on a team for McDavid. Our big moves will be free agent signings, fringe players and developing our team once our rebuild pillars are actually in the NHL. Suzuki will be close to 30 when this happens which is not a bad thing. I am not pessimistic quite the contrary but realism has to take hold at some point. Look at where Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Dallas are and how many years it took for them to go from basement to contenders...and they have not won a thing yet.

Why can’t we be like Tampa? A trip to the Finals in Kucherov’s 2nd season. They wouldn’t become favourites for several years after but they were a really good team and just kept drafting well and adding talent between then.

They added good players like Filppula and Callahan in his rookie season which helped the team become relevant. Vasilevskiy (like Fowler) started in the AHL in Kuch’s rookie season and played a handful of games in that Cup run, though it was still Ben Bishop’s net. Then he took over gradually. I see a few parallels.

 

[DAChampion]

Why can’t we be like Tampa? A trip to the Finals in Kucherov’s 2nd season. They wouldn’t become favourites for several years after but they were a really good team and just kept drafting well and adding talent between then.

They added good players like Filppula and Callahan in his rookie season which helped the team become relevant.

It helps that the strongest teams in the Atlantic division are in decline.

Toronto, Tampa, Florida, won't be strong for long.

 

[WeThreeKings]

It helps that the strongest teams in the Atlantic division are in decline.

Toronto, Tampa, Florida, won't be strong for long.

Tampa will be done as soon as Hedman falls off. Kucherov should still be a star for awhile longer as will Point but Hedman is getting longer in the tooth.

Toronto is always going to be a regular season powerhouse but I don't see them getting better at winning when it matters.

Florida will be good for as long as Barkov is there.. they've won and now the players want to stay.

 

[Rob Sense]

Why can’t we be like Tampa? A trip to the Finals in Kucherov’s 2nd season. They wouldn’t become favourites for several years after but they were a really good team and just kept drafting well and adding talent between then.

They added good players like Filppula and Callahan in his rookie season which helped the team become relevant. Vasilevskiy (like Fowler) started in the AHL in Kuch’s rookie season and played a handful of games in that Cup run, though it was still Ben Bishop’s net. Then he took over gradually. I see a few parallels.

Let's play that game...who else did Tampa have to carry the team?? Look at their stars...Stamkos etc...their defence...their goalie. Kucherov was older than Demidov. We are more than a 35yo 2C from the cup. I simply said we are 3-4 years away from the upper echelon and some goof is saying this is crazy! We are not even in the playoffs and we could still win a lottery pick. People need to layoff the edibles and let our top 5 picks and prospects who will be the backbone of the team reach the NHL instead of trading 5-6 of them for an aging 2C with 3 years left@8M. I am a big fan but C'mon...let's keep it real!

 

[ExReHabs]

Not worried about Zegras in terms of lockerroom dynamics. I don't have much concern at all about that stuff right now. I simply prefer a larger, grittier, nastier forward for the top6. Maybe we can add Zegras AND another player?

Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky
Laine - ?? - Demidov
Zegras - ?? - Newhook?
Anderson - Evans - Gallagher/Heineman

Is it asking for too much? Maybe but if Zegras is our only addition, I don't see how it helps lift the load off Suzuki's back.

NHL's filter settings are annoying and reset when you change categories so I won't share the link the filter. I basically looked at left-handed Cs who are above 0.5ppg and have taken and won face offs at a high rate. (some of the below might not be big FO guys but like I said, the filter was janky) The following names stand out, I've bolded actually interesting players:

1. Sidney Crosby -- perfect addition... and a pipe dream. I have to keep mentioning it whenever I can because it is dream of mine and we need to speak good things into the world for them to happen. Visualise it. Visualise Crosby demanding a trade to the Habs. Let it happen.
2. Matt Duchene -- not tough enough for our team, imo but fits the bill otherwise
3. John Tavares -- I'm not sure what to think of him tbh
4. Nazem Kadri -- has fours years left on his deal, what can we expect from him?
5. Ryan O'Reilly -- has two years left on his deal, at his age (34) he is not a long-term solution but interesting bridge
6. Anthony Cirelli -- Underrated player, has taken 1100 faceoffs this season, 45 EV points in 68 games, four 4 SHG. Valuable player, doubt they'll trade him.
7. Bo Horvat -- strong player, if the NYI move him I think we are in the mix for that even though he is a bit overpaid
8. Brock Nelson -- not a sexy name but he can get the job done and is UFA
9. Sean Couturier -- not a fan of his long contract but he might be available
10. Brayden Schenn -- four years left, he's 33, knows how to win. maybe they'll deal him?
11. Ryan McLeod -- Maybe we can snag him out of BUF? I have no clue what's happening with that team but this is a good player on the cusp of breaking out.
12. Elias Pettersson -- I hate his cap hit and contract but it seems like he's awake again with his recent hot streak. If VAN wants a fresh start, we could be in the mix for him and one of the few teams with the cap space to accomodate
13. Barrett Hayton -- had not heard of him since the draft until today... Utah's Hayton has 39 in 70 and seems like he's on the verge of breaking out. One year left on his contract, he's 24.
14. Anton Lundell -- if FLA cannot keep the gang together they could trade the 23 year old Lundell who has 42pts in 70 games (only 6 ppp). Big playoff experience too.
15. Sam Bennett -- lots said about him, taking into account his inevitable cap hit I'd prefer someone with more upside
16. Morgan Frost -- not a very inspiring stat line
17. Alexander Wennberg -- he's been on awful teams, maybe he can do better here?
18. Mason McTavish -- Another player on the cusp of hitting a new high, the QC media seems high on him too... not sure why/if ANA trade him
19. Joel Eriksson EK -- Minny probably don't want to rebuild or break down but he's an lukewarm choice
20. Mikael Granlund -- pending UFA, a bit older and not very large but can get the job done
21. Pius Suter -- one of the lesser options
22. Pavel Zacha -- if BOS is willing to trade him he is an interesting choice

I think the crazies are the ones who think we are in the finals next year. Our "star" players are 22 yo or less and some not yet in the league! Our defense is not set. Our #1 Goalie is still in college. We are not going to slip a fast one on a team for McDavid. Our big moves will be free agent signings, fringe players and developing our team once our rebuild pillars are actually in the NHL. Suzuki will be close to 30 when this happens which is not a bad thing. I am not pessimistic quite the contrary but realism has to take hold at some point. Look at where Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Dallas are and how many years it took for them to go from basement to contenders...and they have not won a thing yet.

Our star player is Nick Suzuki and our next star player is Cole Caufield. These two are better NHLers at the moment than Hutson, Slaf, etc. Otherwise, you're correct in the essence of your statement.

 

[Deebs]

Give me Bennett the free asset. Leaves you with your best ammo for a big trade.

Unfortunately Benny is staying in Florida....or at least he's instructed his agent to make it happen.

 

[themilosh]

I think the crazies are the ones who think we are in the finals next year. Our "star" players are 22 yo or less and some not yet in the league! Our defense is not set. Our #1 Goalie is still in college. We are not going to slip a fast one on a team for McDavid. Our big moves will be free agent signings, fringe players and developing our team once our rebuild pillars are actually in the NHL. Suzuki will be close to 30 when this happens which is not a bad thing. I am not pessimistic quite the contrary but realism has to take hold at some point. Look at where Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Dallas are and how many years it took for them to go from basement to contenders...and they have not won a thing yet.

Actually winning a Cup requires some luck. The top contenders might have a 10% chance ( to start each year) and can get as high as 20% after the deadline..

In other words if you are a top 10 team (top 30% of the league) you are contending. That is the goal, it's up to Heart to win the Cup. I think the '93 Habs are a perfect example of this.

 

[Essenege]

Resign Dvo on Evans deal, promote Reinbacher and Demidov, trade for Crosby (or a lesser option stopgap veteran 2C) with whatever asset is needed. Lineup assuming we’re losing Newhook in the trade

Slafkovsky-Suzuki-Caufield
Laine-Crosby-Demidov
Gally-Dvorak-Anderson
Heineman-Evans-Dach

Roy/Beck/Kapanen

(no Pezz next year please, your services as tank commander will be remembered)

Guhle-Carrier
Hutson-Struble (or Xhekaj)
Matheson-Reinbacher

Xhekaj/Mailloux/Engstrom

This would be a very good lineup. No promotion out of the gate for Beck/Kap/Roy/Mailloux/Engstrom which are maybe all good enough for the show - odds are we get more injuries then this year, some of them will have their chance.

Still lacking a true #1D (a Rasmus Dahlin / Hedman / Doughty, 2 way monster), we can hope Reinbacher becomes that guy but in the meantime we improve just by getting rid of black hole Savard.

 

[Goalfield22]

Not worried about Zegras in terms of lockerroom dynamics. I don't have much concern at all about that stuff right now. I simply prefer a larger, grittier, nastier forward for the top6. Maybe we can add Zegras AND another player?

Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky
Laine - ?? - Demidov
Zegras - ?? - Newhook?
Anderson - Evans - Gallagher/Heineman

Is it asking for too much? Maybe but if Zegras is our only addition, I don't see how it helps lift the load off Suzuki's back.

NHL's filter settings are annoying and reset when you change categories so I won't share the link the filter. I basically looked at left-handed Cs who are above 0.5ppg and have taken and won face offs at a high rate. (some of the below might not be big FO guys but like I said, the filter was janky) The following names stand out, I've bolded actually interesting players:

1. Sidney Crosby -- perfect addition... and a pipe dream. I have to keep mentioning it whenever I can because it is dream of mine and we need to speak good things into the world for them to happen. Visualise it. Visualise Crosby demanding a trade to the Habs. Let it happen.
2. Matt Duchene -- not tough enough for our team, imo but fits the bill otherwise
3. John Tavares -- I'm not sure what to think of him tbh
4. Nazem Kadri -- has fours years left on his deal, what can we expect from him?
5. Ryan O'Reilly -- has two years left on his deal, at his age (34) he is not a long-term solution but interesting bridge
6. Anthony Cirelli -- Underrated player, has taken 1100 faceoffs this season, 45 EV points in 68 games, four 4 SHG. Valuable player, doubt they'll trade him.
7. Bo Horvat -- strong player, if the NYI move him I think we are in the mix for that even though he is a bit overpaid
8. Brock Nelson -- not a sexy name but he can get the job done and is UFA
9. Sean Couturier -- not a fan of his long contract but he might be available
10. Brayden Schenn -- four years left, he's 33, knows how to win. maybe they'll deal him?
11. Ryan McLeod -- Maybe we can snag him out of BUF? I have no clue what's happening with that team but this is a good player on the cusp of breaking out.
12. Elias Pettersson -- I hate his cap hit and contract but it seems like he's awake again with his recent hot streak. If VAN wants a fresh start, we could be in the mix for him and one of the few teams with the cap space to accomodate
13. Barrett Hayton -- had not heard of him since the draft until today... Utah's Hayton has 39 in 70 and seems like he's on the verge of breaking out. One year left on his contract, he's 24.
14. Anton Lundell -- if FLA cannot keep the gang together they could trade the 23 year old Lundell who has 42pts in 70 games (only 6 ppp). Big playoff experience too.
15. Sam Bennett -- lots said about him, taking into account his inevitable cap hit I'd prefer someone with more upside
16. Morgan Frost -- not a very inspiring stat line
17. Alexander Wennberg -- he's been on awful teams, maybe he can do better here?
18. Mason McTavish -- Another player on the cusp of hitting a new high, the QC media seems high on him too... not sure why/if ANA trade him
19. Joel Eriksson EK -- Minny probably don't want to rebuild or break down but he's an lukewarm choice
20. Mikael Granlund -- pending UFA, a bit older and not very large but can get the job done
21. Pius Suter -- one of the lesser options
22. Pavel Zacha -- if BOS is willing to trade him he is an interesting choice

Our star player is Nick Suzuki and our next star player is Cole Caufield. These two are better NHLers at the moment than Hutson, Slaf, etc. Otherwise, you're correct in the essence of your statement.

Zegras seems the most realistic via trade. If that happens, we will have to keep Dvorak and have Beck as a backup in case of injury. That will take the defensive role off suzuki having Evans and Dvorak there. I know, it makes me cringe too. Paying assets to get Zegras who could easily fail here is too risky for me. I would rather keep our assets and use Newhook there for a season. I cringe at that as well. Ugh...

 

[le_sean]

Let's play that game...who else did Tampa have to carry the team?? Look at their stars...Stamkos etc...their defence...their goalie. Kucherov was older than Demidov. We are more than a 35yo 2C from the cup. I simply said we are 3-4 years away from the upper echelon and some goof is saying this is crazy! We are not even in the playoffs and we could still win a lottery pick. People need to layoff the edibles and let our top 5 picks and prospects who will be the backbone of the team reach the NHL instead of trading 5-6 of them for an aging 2C with 3 years left@8M. I am a big fan but C'mon...let's keep it real!

The 2014-15 Lightning didn’t have anyone particularly spectacular. Stamkos led the team with 72 points. Suzuki has already passed that. Yeah they had Hedman, but they didn’t have a Hutson. What turned them from good to elite was Kucherov, you know a guy that had 4 points in 18 KHL games at the same age as Demidov.

But they get nowhere without adding Filppula and Callahan who held the fort until guys like Point and Cirelli broke out.

That’s what we are talking about. There’s no reason to not try and improve the team drastically and let them try and make a deep run in the near future without ruining the distant future.

 

[Scriptor]

I think the crazies are the ones who think we are in the finals next year. Our "star" players are 22 yo or less and some not yet in the league! Our defense is not set. Our #1 Goalie is still in college. We are not going to slip a fast one on a team for McDavid. Our big moves will be free agent signings, fringe players and developing our team once our rebuild pillars are actually in the NHL. Suzuki will be close to 30 when this happens which is not a bad thing. I am not pessimistic quite the contrary but realism has to take hold at some point. Look at where Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Dallas are and how many years it took for them to go from basement to contenders...and they have not won a thing yet.

I think that your timeline and the finer details of your post, probably to make your point, are a bit off. How many star players do the Habs have that are 22 or younger?

Hutson and who?

Yes, Demidov and Reinbacher are not yet in the NHL.

However, the idea that Suzuki will be 30 when the team is competitive and would require final touches is a bit far-fetched as a timeline.

Realistically speaking -- especially if a 2C arrives next season to facilitate the development of everyone, from the forward group to the D-Corps -- four years from now, with two years left on Suzuki's contract (as a 29-yr-old), there should be an opening window for the Habs to win a Cup if all goes well.

Suzuki will be a veteran in his prime, as will be Caufield (28, with three years left on his contract) and Guhle (27, with three years left on his contract as well).

Slafkovsky, in his 7th year at the NHL level already, should be considered a young veteran at 24, all with 5 years left on his 2nd NHL contract.

Hutson will be 24, with four years of NHL experience as a young veteran with most of his second NHL contract ahead of him.

If Laine signs an extension with the Habs, he should be roughly halfway through that contract as a 30-yr-old veteran.

Demidov will be 23 and starting his second NHL contract, with three years of NHL experience behind his belt.

Reinbacher, at 24, should have three years of NHL experience if his health holds up.

Four years from now, Hage should be in his 2nd NHL season as a young player and beginning to have some impact on the results of games for the Habs.

Four years from now is the season to watch out for, IMO, but, to get there in the form required to challenge for a Cup, Hughes needs to get a genuine 2C for next season, in order for everyone to develop as close to their projected ceilings as players.

 

[Scriptor]

Zegras seems the most realistic via trade. If that happens, we will have to keep Dvorak and have Beck as a backup in case of injury. That will take the defensive role off suzuki having Evans and Dvorak there. I know, it makes me cringe too. Paying assets to get Zegras who could easily fail here is too risky for me. I would rather keep our assets and use Newhook there for a season. I cringe at that as well. Ugh...

What do you think it would cost in assets to land Zegras?

A mid-round first (instead of 9th OA for Zegras in his draft year) + Mailloux/Engstrôm?

Add one of Beck or Kapanen t that, at most?

If it took a mid-round first (but not our best first rounder this year), Mailloux (I'd prefer to keep Engström) and one of Beck or Kapanen, I'd do it.

At worse, you trade Zegras too a contender at half of 5.75M next trade deadline for a 1st rounder in 2026 (stronger draft than 2025) and a solid prospect, recuperating most of what you paid up to get him.

Playing under a coach that turned Zegras' good friend, Caufield, into a more complete player may be the voice that Zegras needs to hear to make that change and grow in confidence?

 

[Goalfield22]

What do you think it would cost in assets to land Zegras?

A mid-round first (instead of 9th OA for Zegras in his draft year) + Mailloux/Engstrôm?

Add one of Beck or Kapanen t that, at most?

If it took a mid-round first (but not our best first rounder this year), Mailloux (I'd prefer to keep Engström) and one of Beck or Kapanen, I'd do it.

At worse, you trade Zegras too a contender at half of 5.75M next trade deadline for a 1st rounder in 2026 (stronger draft than 2025) and a solid prospect, recuperating most of what you paid up to get him.

Playing under a coach that turned Zegras' good friend, Caufield, into a more complete player may be the voice that Zegras needs to hear to make that change and grow in confidence?

That's not a bad package at all for Zegras, and I think the Ducks would likely think hard about it.

What would you rather do, though: trade those assets for Zegras or keep those assets and give Newhook a try? That's what I am thinking about.

 

[bcv]

What do you think it would cost in assets to land Zegras?

A mid-round first (instead of 9th OA for Zegras in his draft year) + Mailloux/Engstrôm?

Add one of Beck or Kapanen t that, at most?

If it took a mid-round first (but not our best first rounder this year), Mailloux (I'd prefer to keep Engström) and one of Beck or Kapanen, I'd do it.

At worse, you trade Zegras too a contender at half of 5.75M next trade deadline for a 1st rounder in 2026 (stronger draft than 2025) and a solid prospect, recuperating most of what you paid up to get him.

Playing under a coach that turned Zegras' good friend, Caufield, into a more complete player may be the voice that Zegras needs to hear to make that change and grow in confidence?

Way too much for Zegras. Mid round pick is all he's worth.

 

[WeThreeKings]

What do you think it would cost in assets to land Zegras?

A mid-round first (instead of 9th OA for Zegras in his draft year) + Mailloux/Engstrôm?

Add one of Beck or Kapanen t that, at most?

If it took a mid-round first (but not our best first rounder this year), Mailloux (I'd prefer to keep Engström) and one of Beck or Kapanen, I'd do it.

At worse, you trade Zegras too a contender at half of 5.75M next trade deadline for a 1st rounder in 2026 (stronger draft than 2025) and a solid prospect, recuperating most of what you paid up to get him.

Playing under a coach that turned Zegras' good friend, Caufield, into a more complete player may be the voice that Zegras needs to hear to make that change and grow in confidence?

Zegras + Carlsson to MTL
Future considerations to Anaheim.

You are welcome for us taking your trash.

 

[Kosseca]

I was holding out a little hope for Dach until he re-injured the same knee. Now, I just want him to get back healthy and immediately thereafter, shipped out. Seen enough.

I think it would be more prudent to see how he fairs before discarding him. he got other tools that could be useful.

 

[Goalfield22]

To be honest, I would rather give Newhook a shot over either Zegras or Dach at this point.

 

[Andy]

Zacha is the best choice if Boston would be willing to trade.

Ive come around on Horvat. Lou is a dinosaur though

 

[bsl]

Not worried about Zegras in terms of lockerroom dynamics. I don't have much concern at all about that stuff right now. I simply prefer a larger, grittier, nastier forward for the top6. Maybe we can add Zegras AND another player?

Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky
Laine - ?? - Demidov
Zegras - ?? - Newhook?
Anderson - Evans - Gallagher/Heineman

Is it asking for too much? Maybe but if Zegras is our only addition, I don't see how it helps lift the load off Suzuki's back.

NHL's filter settings are annoying and reset when you change categories so I won't share the link the filter. I basically looked at left-handed Cs who are above 0.5ppg and have taken and won face offs at a high rate. (some of the below might not be big FO guys but like I said, the filter was janky) The following names stand out, I've bolded actually interesting players:

1. Sidney Crosby -- perfect addition... and a pipe dream. I have to keep mentioning it whenever I can because it is dream of mine and we need to speak good things into the world for them to happen. Visualise it. Visualise Crosby demanding a trade to the Habs. Let it happen.
2. Matt Duchene -- not tough enough for our team, imo but fits the bill otherwise
3. John Tavares -- I'm not sure what to think of him tbh
4. Nazem Kadri -- has fours years left on his deal, what can we expect from him?
5. Ryan O'Reilly -- has two years left on his deal, at his age (34) he is not a long-term solution but interesting bridge
6. Anthony Cirelli -- Underrated player, has taken 1100 faceoffs this season, 45 EV points in 68 games, four 4 SHG. Valuable player, doubt they'll trade him.
7. Bo Horvat -- strong player, if the NYI move him I think we are in the mix for that even though he is a bit overpaid
8. Brock Nelson -- not a sexy name but he can get the job done and is UFA
9. Sean Couturier -- not a fan of his long contract but he might be available
10. Brayden Schenn -- four years left, he's 33, knows how to win. maybe they'll deal him?
11. Ryan McLeod -- Maybe we can snag him out of BUF? I have no clue what's happening with that team but this is a good player on the cusp of breaking out.
12. Elias Pettersson -- I hate his cap hit and contract but it seems like he's awake again with his recent hot streak. If VAN wants a fresh start, we could be in the mix for him and one of the few teams with the cap space to accomodate
13. Barrett Hayton -- had not heard of him since the draft until today... Utah's Hayton has 39 in 70 and seems like he's on the verge of breaking out. One year left on his contract, he's 24.
14. Anton Lundell -- if FLA cannot keep the gang together they could trade the 23 year old Lundell who has 42pts in 70 games (only 6 ppp). Big playoff experience too.
15. Sam Bennett -- lots said about him, taking into account his inevitable cap hit I'd prefer someone with more upside
16. Morgan Frost -- not a very inspiring stat line
17. Alexander Wennberg -- he's been on awful teams, maybe he can do better here?
18. Mason McTavish -- Another player on the cusp of hitting a new high, the QC media seems high on him too... not sure why/if ANA trade him
19. Joel Eriksson EK -- Minny probably don't want to rebuild or break down but he's an lukewarm choice
20. Mikael Granlund -- pending UFA, a bit older and not very large but can get the job done
21. Pius Suter -- one of the lesser options
22. Pavel Zacha -- if BOS is willing to trade him he is an interesting choice

Our star player is Nick Suzuki and our next star player is Cole Caufield. These two are better NHLers at the moment than Hutson, Slaf, etc. Otherwise, you're correct in the essence of your statement.

OK I'll lob one in there. Nugent Hopkins. Dont know if habs are on his no trade list, but that would be interesting. Oil are loaded at C and they are and will be expensive. If they dont win it this year changes will have to be made. They might like a mid first round pick and a good young left D too. (Struble?) Flame away.

 

[Treb]

Resign Dvo on Evans deal, promote Reinbacher and Demidov, trade for Crosby (or a lesser option stopgap veteran 2C) with whatever asset is needed. Lineup assuming we’re losing Newhook in the trade

Slafkovsky-Suzuki-Caufield
Laine-Crosby-Demidov
Gally-Dvorak-Anderson
Heineman-Evans-Dach

Roy/Beck/Kapanen

(no Pezz next year please, your services as tank commander will be remembered)

Guhle-Carrier
Hutson-Struble (or Xhekaj)
Matheson-Reinbacher

Xhekaj/Mailloux/Engstrom

This would be a very good lineup. No promotion out of the gate for Beck/Kap/Roy/Mailloux/Engstrom which are maybe all good enough for the show - odds are we get more injuries then this year, some of them will have their chance.

Still lacking a true #1D (a Rasmus Dahlin / Hedman / Doughty, 2 way monster), we can hope Reinbacher becomes that guy but in the meantime we improve just by getting rid of black hole Savard.

Crosby isn't coming.

I wouldn't qualify this as a "very good lineup ".

Dvorak is not worth Evans' deal.

That D corps is problematic.

Not sure why Dvorak is playing over Evans and why there is a Dach on the 4th.