HF Habs: Trade Proposal Thread #93: Y'all got any more of those 2nd line centers out there?

[Miller Time]

I think its unlikely due to the teams involved, but I was wondering about a potential trade like:



Laine
depth prospect(s)/young NHLer(s) (Farrell? Struble? Kapanen? Mesar?)



Mittelstadt

Both players are 1998 birth years and will be UFA soon. Montreal adds due to position and cap hit.

Why Montreal does it:

Montreal wants center depth. As bad as Mittelstadt was this season, from 2022-2024 he was decent two-way 2nd line left shot C, which is what Montreal needs. It gives the Habs a little bit more breathing room this offseason, better balances the forward group and keeps Montreal on the rebuild path by theoretically improving the team while not costing 1sts/top prospects.

Why Boston does it:

Boston has 3 guys who can play center in Geekie, Lindholm and Zacha. They also had one of the worst powerplays in the NHL and were pretty bereft of finishing talent. Laine has plenty of flaws, but he can score and help a PP. Boston's prospect pool is also almost non-existent and Montreal has a lot of prospects they wont have room for. It also gives Boston extra cap flexibility to take a run at local C Eichel if he makes it to Free Agency in 2026 with Laine's contract expiring a year earlier.

I like the idea... But not with Kapanen, and preferably not Strubble unless the B's add a late pick.

 

[Andrei79]

Who would you prefer to see the Habs acquire, Elias Petersson or Mitch Marner?

I like high end offensive players and I think both could do well in high pressure games in another environment. Montreal isn't nearly what it used to be in the regard. Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto are worse nowadays, especially Toronto. The locker room seems solid too and management has its players backs, without being overprotective of bad behavior or attitudes. I would take Pettersson, but due to his age, AAV and position. If Demidov becomes a center, I would probably go with Marner instead.

I’m a fan of the talent but he is crazy soft and seems to have that Laine personality. I do agree he is the best and most realistic candidate however. We’ve seen him excel in the playoffs, but man his skating and shot seems to have gotten significantly worse.

Even though Vancouver has no center depth after him, with Boeser leaving and Hughes apparently wanting to go play with his brothers, they could very well start the tank for McKenna.

Laine seems worse tbh in that regard, but I get what you mean. My biggest worry with Pettersson is the knee tendonitis, but he's clearly been stressed in Vancouver, so maybe a change of environnement could help. When he's on, he's an awesome two way player with so many tools on offense.

 

[Captain Mountain]

He maps to option c in my answer above. I don't think that he reasonably projects to a 2C.

I would straight up prefer Mittelstadt to Rossi. Even ignoring the fact Rossi would cost more in a trade and will demand more on a contract.

I think Minny had good reason to not play Rossi in their top-9 in the playoffs. I think Mittelstadt does more 5v5 when both are playing near their best and Montreal doesn't have a spot for Rossi on PP1, which is where he does most of his damage.

I think best case scenario Rossi is a center Tatar, and I have no interest in Montreal paying for that.

 

[Benstheman]

People talk about Barzal but frankly, I would prefer EP40 as he is a real center that has a great two-way game.

 

[VirginiaMtlExpat]

I would straight up prefer Mittelstadt to Rossi. Even ignoring the fact Rossi would cost more in a trade and will demand more on a contract.

I think Minny had good reason to not play Rossi in their top-9 in the playoffs. I think Mittelstadt does more 5v5 when both are playing near their best and Montreal doesn't have a spot for Rossi on PP1, which is where he does most of his damage.

I think best case scenario Rossi is a center Tatar, and I have no interest in Montreal paying for that.

Mittelstadt has had full eight years in the league, while Rossi has had two. The comparison does not bear scrutiny. The former could serve as consolation prize if we fail to get one of the top trade candidates, including but not limited to Rossi.

 

[salbutera]

Dallas fans seem to think otherwise.

But I would agree he isn't a need.

Stars have actual hockey fans? I kid…

Bourque is small for NHL, tries to overcompensate leading to foolish penalties.

 

[Captain Mountain]

Mittelstadt has had full eight years in the league, while Rossi has had two. The comparison does not bear scrutiny.

I mean, Mittelstadt was clearly a better 5v5 player at the same age/point in development.

I just don't like Rossi's fit for the kind of center Montreal needs or where Montreal needs C help. Like, he's a net front player on the PP, is there any chance Montreal's looking for that role to be filled by a guy like Rossi?

 

[dauv]

Ive heard he's soft as wet charmins
Is it true?

no soft as Cotonnelle, charmin is much tougher

 

[Benstheman]

The more I think about it, considering only possible options, having a 2nd line of EP40 and Demidov would be so crazy talent wise.

We would only need to find a good complement like Slafkovsky is for Suzuki and Caufield.

 

[The Great Weal]

Laine seems worse tbh in that regard, but I get what you mean. My biggest worry with Pettersson is the knee tendonitis, but he's clearly been stressed in Vancouver, so maybe a change of environnement could help. When he's on, he's an awesome two way player with so many tools on offense.

He’s been very blunt about how much he hates dealing with the media, he said something like that right to their faces too. And as much as JT Miller is an asshole, it does seem like Pettersson isn’t taking his training seriously at all.

But yes the tendonitis is the main concern as mixing that with his poor training turned his strengths into major weaknesses. If it’s not chronic and he finds motivation to work hard and take things seriously, we are laughing with arguably the best top 2 C combo in the league.

 

[Leto]

He’s been very blunt about how much he hates dealing with the media, he said something like that right to their faces too. And as much as JT Miller is an asshole, it does seem like Pettersson isn’t taking his training seriously at all.

But yes the tendonitis is the main concern as mixing that with his poor training turned his strengths into major weaknesses. If it’s not chronic and he finds motivation to work hard and take things seriously, we are laughing with arguably the best top 2 C combo in the league.

It's far worse than dealing with the media. In a episode of 32 thoughts (earlier in the season, there is a transcript that I found on reddit), Friedman said something about him reading and listening too much about is said about him online and in the media. If he can't take the heat in Vancouver, I don't think he could handle it in Montreal.​

 

[VirginiaMtlExpat]

He’s been very blunt about how much he hates dealing with the media, he said something like that right to their faces too. And as much as JT Miller is an asshole, it does seem like Pettersson isn’t taking his training seriously at all.

But yes the tendonitis is the main concern as mixing that with his poor training turned his strengths into major weaknesses. If it’s not chronic and he finds motivation to work hard and take things seriously, we are laughing with arguably the best top 2 C combo in the league.

Could be treated nonsurgically with platelet rich plasma therapy and preventative PT. This is one for the Habs substantial medical corps. He is intriguing if he can be rehabilitated and integrated into the team.

 

[Non Player Canadiens]

So the puck is in the offensive corner with Marner, Laine and Dach on the ice, who goes to get it? A defenceman?

wheel back for a full line change

 

[dauv]

The more I think about it, considering only possible options, having a 2nd line of EP40 and Demidov would be so crazy talent wise.

We would only need to find a good complement like Slafkovsky is for Suzuki and Caufield.

Dach?

 

[dauv]

wheel back for a full line change

Montembeault

 

[Benstheman]

Dach?

Maybe yeah. Weirdly enough, I didn't give up on him. Too much talent and big boy.

 

[The Great Weal]

Could be treated nonsurgically with platelet rich plasma therapy and preventative PT. This is one for the Habs substantial medical corps. He is intriguing if he can be rehabilitated and integrated into the team.

Vancouver has some tremendous therapy programs and facilities, you’d have to think that’s been tried already. He did look better before he got injured for the year but nothing conclusive that he’s the superstar player he used to be.

 

[The Great Weal]

It's far worse than dealing with the media. In a episode of 32 thoughts (earlier in the season, there is a transcript that I found on reddit), Friedman said something about him reading and listening too much about is said about him online and in the media. If he can't take the heat in Vancouver, I don't think he could handle it in Montreal.​

If I remember correctly, this is very similar to Laine who decided to waive his clause and come here. I really do believe not being seen as the saviour makes things way more manageable for the player.

 

[VirginiaMtlExpat]

Vancouver has some tremendous therapy programs and facilities, you’d have to think that’s been tried already. He did look better before he got injured for the year but nothing conclusive that he’s the superstar player he used to be.

The player has to want to do the preventative PT. It's a tough slog. The PRP can also hurt like a b#tch, having been there, but nowhere near the pain of postop recovery (which I try to avoid when possible).

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

If we were to bring back Dvo, one of Gally or Newhook should be traded.

No sense in trading Dach now with his value so low, unless he's a piece you need to include in a package for a big fish.

No point taking Dvorak with Gallagher and Anderson in the team. Also Evans got extended for 4th line center and Dvorak nor Dach or Newhook should center av3rd line

 

[26Mats]

No point taking Dvorak with Gallagher and Anderson in the team. Also Evans got extended for 4th line center and Dvorak nor Dach or Newhook should center av3rd line

I thought the Gally - Dvo - Anderson line was a good 3rd line, no?

 

[Miller Time]

I thought the Gally - Dvo - Anderson line was a good 3rd line, no?

They were... Just not a good cap "value" 3rd line given the 16M$ cap hit they represent.

Habs had one of the best "bottom 6" group of forwards in the league in terms of performance impact. That depth was a big part of our success.

Losing Dvo & Armia without a suitable or upgrade replacement will put a lot of pressure on Demidov & Kapanen/Beck/Roy to provide meaningful impact if we want our forward depth to remain a strength... As good as our first line was, not sure we can count on Dach, Newhook & Laine to provide the kind of top6 impact we'd need to offset the learning curve of 2-3 rookies & sophomore Heineman in the forward lineup

 

[OldCraig71]

People talk about Barzal but frankly, I would prefer EP40 as he is a real center that has a great two-way game.

That would mean that Nick Suzuki is headed to Vancouver because why else would they do it?

 

[Apoplectic Habs Fan]

Lately been trying to think of some centers that they may have a shot at if they swing and miss on a more established second line center

Ideally, imo its Horvat but we depends on Isles direction and cost. He would be a long term solution which is makes it more intriguing for me.

Guys like Karlsson i have reservations as production issues and injuries are creeping in. Also doesnt seem like Vegas would want to move him but they make bold moves


So the like of Barett Hayton come to mind. Seattle has some depth. Pius Suter in Vancouver had a good year but undersized and poor faceoffs. Just not sure what other names are out there on the third tier stop gap if it comes to that

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

Both seem unlikely to be made available, but Vegas is known to be quite bold in their player management... If they decide they want to "win" the Marner or Bennett sweepstakes, they will need to offload considerable salary, especially with Eichel's big extension looming.



Like Ive previously stated, I won't be surprised if we mostly stand pat this offseason. It's going to be a seller's market and the options out there are already slim pickings.

I disagree on Zegras & Manson. Both are very solid fits, but if they are available, some teams may offer far more than would be reasonable to match.



I enjoyed making the playoffs last year...guess you didn't



Not sure about "overrated", but Bennett is about to demonstrate yet again how timing is everything in life... IF he leaves Florida, his contract will be crazy and likely age very poorly.

Ekblad is no more injury affected at 28 than Markov was in 2012 at 33... His next 4 years were excellent. Ekblad may well have 4-6 good years left in him and if anything has shown his willingness & ability to come back from injury setbacks.

But he also is likely to get some insane offers, and I'd fully agree that we shouldn't be outbidding the pack



Really?
What franchise do you follow?

Habs have 1 RD with any real NHL experience, and he's 5'11, 175lbs. Perbix is 6'4 205, and while not a physically imposing player, is a reliable depth dman who has done well in the role of supporting a more offensively aggressive partner. Could be a decent & comparatively cheap stop gap partner for Hutson until Reinbacher shows himself ready for top 4 assignments.


Both he & Dvorak would be reliable depth vets to avoid going into the season with 3 rookies pencilled into opening day spots and no veteran depth behind that.

Vegas should sign Eichel and perhaps get a better bottom 6 before trading away Pietrangelo tbh

What's the point of Zegras , he can't play center , he's soft as hell and he's overpaid. Manson meh if we get rid of Mardeson I guess

It's fun to make playoffs but we didn't make playoffs because of Dach Newhook nor Dvorak let's use our brain here.

Bennett best seasons are the 3 last years in an op team. He's still only a 40 points player at his best. Not really a great playmaker neither. Someone will overpay because there is always one dumb GM to give 10m. I would rather add 4m and get Marner if i was to choose.

As for Ekblad , the man isn't that great. Seth Jones fell off and got paid . Ekblad is literally a copy. He's already on that slide. Would you really give him 8x7? Or perhaps even more?

We'll need to get rid of Mardeson, Gallagher and Anderson or Laine just to get salary first.

We don't have much on RD I mean What's the point of having jackeye or Struble if we sign another 3rd pair dman because he's tall? We have Mailloux also.