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

[Galchenyuk15]

I would target a specific right d-man, Dobson, with the guarantee I will be able to resigh him even if it's not the good timing to do it but much more because of the situation of Matheson and Mailloux. It will be way more easy to do something now than later. For the center, we need someone for Demidov no matter what but I would target someone like Granlund or Duchene or someone who want short term waiting after Hage, Beck and off course if the price is good.

My assets :
Matheson, Mailloux, Roy, Mesar, Farrell, Davidson, Dach, picks

On the bubble :
Engstrom, Newhook, Struble or Xhekaj

Untouchable :
Fowler, Hage, Beck, Demidov

Main target : Noah Dobson

With 5 picks in rounds 2 and 3, Mtl can trade quantity or trade for higher picks

In goal, we are waiting Fowler.
In forward, we need some time for Demidov Hage Beck.
But in defense, with Dobson, we have already something to compete sooner than everywhere else

Move 1 : Trade Dobson for Matheson, Mailloux, Forward + 1st 2025 (later one)
* : They can resign Matheson if they can or trade him for a 1st + prospect at the deadline
Move 2 : Sign Granlund or Duchene to a 2 or 3 year deals / Trade for O'Reilly at worst
Move 3 : Use some picks and trade the contract of Price after July 1st
Move 4 : Sign Dobson 8 years

It will take a monstruous offer to reach Dobson but now we have the asset, we will not have at mid term. For me, Matheson and Mailloux are 2 futures problems and we are at a cornerstone with them. The first one became older and need a new contract and the second one I don't see how to use him in the long run to be effective with Hutson. Good offensive tools but not reliable at all at even strentgh or pk with a very limited toolbox. I think his value at the moment is higher than what he can achieve for us in the long run. We have a lot a forward or prospects to be able to lost one even someone like Dach.

Caufield-Suzuki-Slaf
Laine-Granlund/Duchene-Demidov
Newhook-Dach/Beck-Heineman
Gallagher-Evans-Anderson

Dobson-Guhle
Carrier-Hutson
Reinbacher-Struble/Xhekaj
* : With some maturity switch Reinbacher and Carrier!

I know it's not the sexier choice but in my mind it will be way more effective to add someone else who can help everywhere at the defense versus betting all your asset in a second center at a hefty price in trade and/or contract when he will not even play on the 1st pp unit : Suzuki, Caufield, Laine, Slaf, Hutson, Dobson, Demidov will be ahead of him. We need someone who can play in pp, who can play on all the ice, mentor Demidov and able to win his faceoff; not a point producer who can't do nothing else. If we find the right one, go all-in for him but I think it will be more a patch than everything else because it will be very hard to find the perfect fit age wise and what they search; the easy solution will be to add a veteran on a short term to buy some time.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

I would rather go for Zegras than Horvat

Stylistically, Horvat fits better, but age-wise, Zegras makes more sense.

 

[bcv]

I would much rather go for Zegras than Horvat

Why? He's been ass for 2 years now.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

Why? He's been ass for 2 years now.

Ducks in general have been like that the last 2 years (since Cronin became coach), not just Zegras. They have a lot of offensive talent on that team, but none of them have really lived up to expectations, and Ducks fans are blaming the coach for that.

Zegras was pretty good prior to that, and was tracking to become an elite player. A change of scenario could be huge for him.

The cost for Zegras should also be the lowest its ever been.

 

[BergevinBurner]

Although I don't completely hate the idea of Zegras, I don't think he's high up on management's list of targets due to the uncertainty with him.

If he does get traded and his health holds up, then I think a lot of people are going to look back at it like a missed opportunity, similar to the PLD situation. With a change of scenery and a bit of health luck then I wouldn't be shocked at all if he starts stringing 70+ point seasons together.

The problem is we can't really throw Demidov on a line with Zegras+Laine, he'd have way too much responsibility defensively and physically for a rookie. We'd either have to move on from Laine and add a top 6 RW with a bit of physicality, or potentially re-shuffle the lines and have something like Demidov-Suzuki-Laine Slaf-Zegras-Caufield.

 

[Draft]

Ducks in general have been like that the last 2 years (since Cronin became coach), not just Zegras. They have a lot of offensive talent on that team, but none of them have really lived up to expectations, and Ducks fans are blaming the coach for that.

Zegras was pretty good prior to that, and was tracking to become an elite player. A change of scenario could be huge for him.

The cost for Zegras should also be the lowest its ever been right now.

Slaf - Suzuki - Demidov
Laine - Zegras - Caufield

Do we just sit our second line 5v5?

I think having a 2C that can play strong 5v5 mins and be good at both ends adds a level of versatility our team currently lacks. Having Caufield strapped to Suzuki for the rest of their careers because our 2C can't play defence is not a recipe for success. We don't really need more bodies for the PP and finding players that can be productive outside of special teams will be critical - for playoff hockey and for how our team is structured.

Long term, we need a guy that can play with any of Caufield/Demidov/Slafkovsky and (ideally) play PP2/PK2. I don't see a need to gamble on an offensive talent with no B game.

 

[salbutera]

Do we just sit our second line 5v5?

I think having a 2C that can play strong 5v5 mins and be good at both ends adds a level of versatility our team currently lacks. Having Caufield strapped to Suzuki for the rest of their careers because our 2C can't play defence is not a recipe for success. We don't really need more bodies for the PP and finding players that can be productive outside of special teams will be critical - for playoff hockey and for how our team is structured.

Long term, we need a guy that can play with any of Caufield/Demidov/Slafkovsky and (ideally) play PP2/PK2. I don't see a need to gamble on an offensive talent with no B game.

That’s what was said about Caufield as recently as 2-seasons ago…. look where his game is now & there’s a lot more room to grow.

That growth wasn’t happening under Dom Dom but has been under MSLs tutelage… yes Zegras’ former youth / skills hockey coach at MidFairfield.

Human beings possess the ability to learn, especially 24yr olds… Stevie Y started to “get it” after being read the riot act by Scotty, and he was nearly 29 at the time

Acquisition cost vs benefit analysis clearly shows Zegras is the most logical path forward for the Habs org at present… whether Ana wants / is willing to part with him is another matter

 

[sampollock]

many here dont want Zegras... in fact that subject was beat up bad

 

[LesCactus]

How much would Zacha cost ideally?

 

[InsideLaineBOOM]

many here dont want Zegras... in fact that subject was beat up bad

Beating off a dead horse imo.

 

[Ezpz]

many here dont want Zegras... in fact that subject was beat up bad

Zegras has been so bad that a one for one swap for Dach or Newhook would be fair value at this point.

It'd be worth pursuing as I think he'd fit Cole and Nick better than Slaf does. Which lets you push Laine to third line + PP. Demidov-???-Slaf as the second line.

But ultimately getting a real #2 C is more important.

 

[Vachon23]

Don't play coy. You took my post as if it entirely represents the things you described when my post was about EP40 and no one else. It's incredibly disingenuous and dishonest. If you weren't talking to me then don't quote me. Doesn't take half a brain to understand this.

EP40 is a single case with a ton of red flags, but you decided to ignore that and pretend I have the mentality you described. Piss off.

To add to this, you then reply about his injuries when I haven't even talked about that. That was someone else.

Btw, everyone here understands nothing can be perfect, you're not some voice of reason who sees what everyone else can't see. Oh one is against this, the other is against that!! Omg! It's a friggin forum with different ideas and opinions, but omg, the revelation! Different people don't want the same things and don't have the same hang-ups. What a revelation.

Bro…

Take a snicker and relaxe

 

[le_sean]

Acquiring Zegras would be pure lunacy. You want to replace a 2C that is inconsistent and injury-prone with another centre that is inconsistent and injury-prone?

Imagine not being motivated to play well when you’re in Anaheim. Zero pressure, you live in Cali, you’re paid a lot. Still not motivated. No thanks.

 

[Draft]

That’s what was said about Caufield as recently as 2-seasons ago…. look where his game is now & there’s a lot more room to grow.

That growth wasn’t happening under Dom Dom but has been under MSLs tutelage… yes Zegras’ former youth / skills hockey coach at MidFairfield.

Human beings possess the ability to learn, especially 24yr olds… Stevie Y started to “get it” after being read the riot act by Scotty, and he was nearly 29 at the time

Caufield grew to be passable defensively, he's still not very strong in that area. May never be given his physical limitations. I'm not that comfortable banking on all of Caufield, Zegras, and Laine learning to become solid defensive players or growing their offensive game to be more effective 5v5 in order to have a decent second line.

Why not just attempt to acquire a player that fits rather than gamble on Zegras changing his game? Seems like magic beans.

 

[salbutera]

Caufield grew to be passable defensively, he's still not very strong in that area. May never be given his physical limitations. I'm not that comfortable banking on all of Caufield, Zegras, and Laine learning to become solid defensive players or growing their offensive game to be more effective 5v5 in order to have a decent second line.

Why not just attempt to acquire a player that fits rather than gamble on Zegras changing his game? Seems like magic beans.

Avs have tried for 3-yrs to find a 2C, only this year were they able to in 33 yr old rental Nelson. No team is willing to surrender a 24-28 yr old legit 2C… none unless they’re getting an astronomical deal.

Then theres the curious case of Sam Bennett who, unless he resigns with Fla, will be severely overpaid likely by Isles or Utah..

Crosby & Malkin both said again this weekend they told their owner they wanted to finish their careers in Pittsburgh, so much for that pipe dream.

That’s the reality of a 32team league.

I’ll take my chances w a low acquisition cost Zegras who all of HuGo & MSL know intimately well from a young age, and if there are “real warning signals” I’m confident they will change course accordingly.

At Chelsea Piers training center in Stamford, CT - home of MidFairfield Elite Youth Program & longtime MSL trainer (and now Zegras) Ben Prentiss

 

[Sterling Archer]

Barring some unknown info regarding his mental or physical health, I'd be all in on EP. Amazing offensive talent and would be one of, if not our best defensive forward. Some players just need a change of scenery and he seems to be a quintessential example of this. I think his talent, age and contract are a perfect fit for the Habs and gives them a legitimate contending 1-2 down the middle with the top 2 lines being interchangeable talent wise.

Cole Suzuki Slaf
Laine EP Demidov
Newhook/Dach Anderson
Heineman Evans Gally
Roy/Kapanen

Hutson RHD
Guhle Carrier
Xhekaj Reinbacher
Struble

All day long

Get a #1 RHD to this lineup and I'd say they'd have a contending lineup.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

Ducks in general have been like that the last 2 years (since Cronin became coach), not just Zegras. They have a lot of offensive talent on that team, but none of them have really lived up to expectations, and Ducks fans are blaming the coach for that.

Zegras was pretty good prior to that, and was tracking to become an elite player. A change of scenario could be huge for him.

The cost for Zegras should also be the lowest its ever been.

The 2 injuries also set him back some.

 

[Sterling Archer]

Why? He's been ass for 2 years now.

Horvat has never done the Michigan. Scub...

 

[Ezpz]

Acquiring Zegras would be pure lunacy. You want to replace a 2C that is inconsistent and injury-prone with another centre that is inconsistent and injury-prone?

Imagine not being motivated to play well when you’re in Anaheim. Zero pressure, you live in Cali, you’re paid a lot. Still not motivated. No thanks.

Honestly their whole team is underperforming offensively, it might just be a Sabres situation where good players are on sale because of poor coaching.

 

[Ozmodiar]

If the Habs do land Zegras, we’ll know that the Habs conducted their search for a 2C alphabetically.

 

[salbutera]

Barring some unknown info regarding his mental or physical health, I'd be all in on EP. Amazing offensive talent and would be one of, if not our best defensive forward. Some players just need a change of scenery and he seems to be a quintessential example of this. I think his talent, age and contract are a perfect fit for the Habs and gives them a legitimate contending 1-2 down the middle with the top 2 lines being interchangeable talent wise.

Cole Suzuki Slaf
Laine EP Demidov
Newhook/Dach Anderson
Heineman Evans Gally
Roy/Kapanen

Hutson RHD
Guhle Carrier
Xhekaj Reinbacher
Struble

All day long

Get a #1 RHD to this lineup and I'd say they'd have a contending lineup.

What is the acquisition cost? EP 89pts last year, 102 year before …

Ready to surrender a package of Caufield + Guhle + one of Demigod / Redenbacher / Fowler ???

Or Mailloux + maybe later 1st rounder for Zegras who had 65pts as recently as 22-23?

 

[vokiel]

If the Habs do land Zegras, we’ll know that the Habs conducted their search for a 2C alphabetically.

I don't even think they would acquire him to play center. It would just be a change of scenery trade where we send Anaheim Dach or some other under-performing cost controlled player.

 

[Draft]

Avs have tried for 3-yrs to find a 2C, only this year were they able to in 33 yr old rental Nelson. No team is willing to surrender a 24-28 yr old legit 2C… none unless they’re getting an astronomical deal.

Then theres the curious case of Sam Bennett who, unless he resigns with Fla, will be severely overpaid likely by Isles or Utah..

Crosby & Malkin both said again this weekend they told their owner they wanted to finish their careers in Pittsburgh, so much for that pipe dream.

That’s the reality of a 32team league.

I’ll take my chances w a low acquisition cost Zegras who all of HuGo & MSL know intimately well from a young age, and if there are “real warning signals” I’m confident they will change course accordingly.

At Chelsea Piers training center in Stamford, CT - home of MidFairfield Elite Youth Program

View attachment 999112

Colorado has found several 2Cs to put in their lineup - off the top of my head we're talking about Kadri, Compher, Mittelstadt, and recently Necas. While they hoped Compher and Mittelstadt would grow in the position, the problem has always been about fit. Zegras is not a fit for what the team needs for the 2C role IMO.

Given how long Zegras has been on the market and how well MSL/Hughes know him... doesn't it say something that a deal hasn't already been done? Habs have had the same need for years and he'd be considered a long term piece that could grow with the team.

 

[salbutera]

Colorado has found several 2Cs to put in their lineup - off the top of my head we're talking about Kadri, Compher, Mittelstadt, and recently Necas. While they hoped Compher and Mittelstadt would grow in the position, the problem has always been about fit. Zegras is not a fit for what the team needs for the 2C role IMO.

Given how long Zegras has been on the market and how well MSL/Hughes know him... doesn't it say something that a deal hasn't already been done? Habs have had the same need for years and he'd be considered a long term piece that could grow with the team.

LeBrun said only time he was on the market was last daft Mailloux + Habs 1st which was used to pick Hage because HuGo backed off

Zegras was apparently pulled off right after - Ana wanted that big Norwegian Dman last draft

 

[le_sean]

Honestly their whole team is underperforming offensively, it might just be a Sabres situation where good players are on sale because of poor coaching.

At some point the onus falls on the players. Guys like McTavish and Terry have no problem producing. Vatrano too.

Should they have more points? Yeah maybe, but we are talking about a player that is at a 0.5 PPG clip. He’s in that category like Newhook - what else do you bring? You don’t kill penalties, you’re terrible defensively, you never hit, you suck at faceoffs (are you even a centre?). So now that he isn’t producing, why would you acquire such a player?