NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2024
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Flames defensemen Chris Tanev and Hanifin, updates on the Canadiens and Rangers, and a hypothetical trade to send Penguins winger Reilly Smith back to the Golden Knights.
UPDATES ON CHRIS TANEV AND NOAH HANIFIN
CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Flames defenseman Chris Tanev has become a top target in the trade market for playoff contenders seeking a missing piece for their respective bluelines.
A pending free agent, the 34-year-old Tanev is a dependable right-shot shutdown defenseman. He could fetch the Flames a couple of meaningful assets like a prospect and a draft pick. The New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors for Tanev.
Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).
Gilbertson also noted the Flames have made a big-money contract offer to Noah Hanifin. Like Tanev, the 27-year-old blueliner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Gilbertson believes Hanifin is likely a goner if he’s not re-signed soon.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev is the most likely to move of the two. There’s still a chance that Hanifin and the Flames reach an agreement on a contract extension by March 8. However, the longer he remains unsigned, the more likely he will also be on the move by deadline day.
WILL THE CANADIENS MAKE A SIGNIFICANT ADDITION?
TVA SPORTS: Maxim Lapierre believes the Montreal Canadiens have the assets to use as trade bait to make a significant addition to their lineup.
The Canadiens got a 2024 first-round pick from the Winnipeg Jets in last Friday’s Sean Monahan trade. They also have an additional first-rounder in the 2025 draft. Lapierre thinks that gives general manager Kent Hughes the tools to make a big trade to bolster the roster.
Lapierre noted that some Canadiens fans would like to see Hughes acquire center Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks. However, he’d like to see the Habs GM bring in “a playoff player” comparable to Boston captain Brad Marchand or former Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes has noted that he has sufficient assets in draft picks and prospects that he could use some of them as trade bait to add an established talent. He’ll likely keep a close eye on the trade market leading up to the March 8 deadline but also in the offseason, especially around the draft in June.
I understand why some Canadiens followers want Hughes to acquire Zegras. He’s young, possesses dazzling offensive skills and carries a reasonable short-term bridge contract. However, I agree with Lapierre that Zegras hasn’t reached the stage where he’s proven he can help a team win the Stanley Cup. So far, he’s all flash but little substance.
WHO WILL THE RANGERS PURSUE AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers will be buyers leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. He believes they need to bring in a third-line center, a right winger for the Mika Zibanejad-Chris Kreider line, and a physical left-side third-pairing defenseman.
Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique would address that third-line need. Brooks considers it unlikely that Rangers GM Chris Drury would part with a first-round draft pick or a young player like Kaapo Kakko for a rental player like Henrique.
If Ducks right winger Frank Vatrano became part of the equation, Brooks believes it would become “a more nuanced conversation.” Unlike Henrique, Vatrano has a year remaining on his contract at a more affordable cap hit ($3.65 million).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple and Eric Stephens recently reported the Rangers were interested in Henrique and Vatrano. Landing one or the other won’t be easy largely because Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has a reputation as a tough negotiator. Acquiring both will likely involve parting with a first-rounder or someone like Kakko as part of the return. Verbeek won’t just give
COULD REILLY SMITH RETURN TO THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS?
THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger believes the Vegas Golden Knights would look for a winger if they become buyers at the trade deadline. He suggested they reacquire Reilly Smith, who was traded last summer to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a cost-cutting move.
Smith has the third-most goals and points in Golden Knights history. He hasn’t clicked with the Penguins this season and could become a trade candidate if they become sellers leading up to March 8. He’d likely welcome a return to Las Vegas. However, it would require some salary-cap gymnastics to fit his $5 million average annual value within their cap payroll.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is merely a suggestion on Granger’s part. He isn’t saying the Golden Knights and Penguins have discussed a trade involving Smith. Still, it would be an interesting move by both clubs if it did come to pass. Smith wouldn’t be the first player in NHL history to struggle on a new club only to regain his form once traded back to his old team.
“ Zegras hasn’t reached the stage where he’s proven he can help a team win the Stanley Cup. So far, he’s all flash but little substance.”
Yea, with Suzukis’s , Caufields, Slafkovsky’s, Gallagher’s pretty much entire rosters fists full of Stanley cup rings i can see his point.
Good call!
Suzuki, Caufield and Gallagher played key roles in the underdog Canadiens reaching the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
Lapierre’s point is the Canadiens need a more established scoring forward with leadership ability. Zegras is an undeniably talented young winger who still has plenty of upside but his biggest claim to fame is for his trick shots. I’ve seen nothing from him yet to suggest he could lead a team to a Stanley Cup.
I have also heard that Zegras has little to no defensive game. This is a big issue when it comes to these young offensive players coming into the NHL. Because they are so talented in junior, or whichever league they were in before the NHL, when they were on the ice they more often than not had possession of the puck and didn’t need to play defence.
Anaheim or Montreal should just be building. Neither should be mentioned in the same sentence as “Stanley cup”
The bubble 21 playoffs were a bit fluky. Montreal is closer to the cellar than they are contenders.
As I pointed out the other day, Zegras and Suzuki’s numbers are pretty identical.
Does anyone really see established scorers / veteran players signing up for either franchise, other than by forced trade? Or maybe musical chairs cap issues getting a better contract?
I’m not a fan of Zegras’s style myself. But to dismiss the guy like Suzuki is a different level player is a bit short sighted.
Maybe Zegras is a guy that pushes Suzuki? Maybe he replaced Suzuki on the top line?
Again, not one of my favorite players, but Montreal would be foolish to add him (because he’s not “that player” given the opportunity.
C’mon Lyle “lead them to a Stanley Cup” one player doesn’t lead any team to the Stanley Cup.
Zegras will turn 23 on March 20th. No one on Montreal has lead them to a cup in 30yrs!
The question should be is Montreal a better team with Zegras? Obviously that’s a loaded question because it depends on what you have to give up.
Can he help Montreal get to the dance.
That’s a lot of pressure to put on one player “can he lead us to the cup”
Maybe not but can he increase your chances of getting there and help the team win the cup.
“one player doesn’t lead any team to the Stanley Cup”? Gee, that’ll come as a surprise to the Conn Smythe Trophy winners. Not to mention the hundreds of players over the decades who were praised by their coaches and GMs for leading them to the Stanley Cup.
Of course, hockey is a team game and it takes more than one player to win the Stanley Cup. However, the fact remains that you need your best players to step up and lead the way by words, deeds or both. That’s why Lapierre mentioned Marchand and Bergeron. Yes, Marchand is a pain in the ass to play against but he steps up in every game, including the playoffs. Bergeron is the epitome of leadership and class who played with fractured ribs and a punctured lung in the 2013 Final. Without those two, the Bruins don’t win the Cup in 2011 or reach the Final in 2013 and 2019.
Maybe Zegras will one day become a leader. He’s an obviously talented offensive player. However, his claim to fame is trick shots. Maybe he’ll mature, maybe he won’t. If the Habs are going to pursue assets to help them take the next step, I think they’d like someone who will fit into the character they’re trying to build for this team. Someone who’s already established but young enough to fit in well with this roster.
I just recall all the hype last summer from Habs fans screaming for the Canadiens to acquire and sign Pierre-Luc Dubois, who at his best plays a solid two-way game but also gave the impression that he took some games off or didn’t try hard enough. Now, those same fans are breathing sighs of relief that they didn’t acquire Dubois given his poor play thus far with the Kings.
The Ducks reportedly aren’t planning to move Zegras so this is all a hypothetical. Nevertheless, I think the Habs are looking for more than just a flashy scorer.
Perfect Caper!
I mean, I get that most hockey traditionalists wouldn’t care for Zegras style. He’s extremely creative (sometimes too creative maybe) but this guy has hands, vision. His ability to find space, and ability to score with no space / bad angles etc. is just insane.
I don’t think Montreal is in a position to use that awful excuse to pass on this guy.
I can’t say I spend anytime watching Anaheim and Zegras. So only going by his rep, which is he likes playing offence, doesn’t go to the dirty areas, has yet to focus on playing within a team structure.
So if true, I wouldn’t spend any real assets on him either. So to Capers point what is the cost to acquire him? He does have a big ticket for a 1 dimensional player though, and that matters too in the cap world.
Anybody who has played a lot, and even watched a lot of hockey, knows what it takes to win. Playing a solid team structure that limits chances, winning more puck battles than you lose, physical as a team while having discipline to stay out of the box, good tending. Can you win a tough tight game 3-2 when everybody is full out? Can you produce when there is no time and space and you are constantly getting hit?
Does any of that sound like the reputation Zegras has?
Again, I don’t watch the Ducks, but that is what his rep is. Sounds a lot more like Mike Hoffman than Marchand.
So if true, he needs to change if he wants to win, what are you willing to pay for that maybe? If it was me, not very much, and I think the Ducks will try to get him turned around vs giving him away. And if he starts to get with the program, then why trade him?
Montreal already has three young skilled forwards. Adding a fourth that is one-dimensional will not help them get to the Stanley Cup. Adding Henrique will help the Canadians more than Zegras.
Adding Zegras to the Canadians would be like the Leafs adding another skilled top 6 forward instead of a goalie or a top pairing D-man.
Kevjam,
I can’t say I watch a lot of ducks games, but I’ve seen him play on numerous occasions.
As I say above, I think that older hockey traditionalists hate this guy, but younger fans not so much. I think a lot of the older traditionalists think of him and “the Michigan “ and literally nothing else.
Like the Michigan is his one and only go to! Without that , he’d never score. “I think he has about 2-4 in the nhl?
I do think at times he tries to do too much with the puck. And again, I’m not a huge fan of his style. But the kid can play and is still young and developing.
Something tells me, he’ll be the best thing since sliced bread if he gets traded to Montreal.
Same goes for the traditionalists (including myself) if he’s on your team.
Montreal, has a lot of work to do before they start thinking Stanley cup. This won’t be the move that makes or breaks them!
They have worse players and contracts on that team than Zegras today.
Last year Montreal had ONE forward over 40 points. ONE.
They’re nowhere near consistent enough.
No offense, but comparing those 3 players to Mathews , Marner and Nylander is like comparing your local hs football team to Tom Brady and the dynasty Patriots.
Not even on the same planet, never mind ball park.
“Last year Montreal had ONE forward over 40 points. ONE.”
And he was the only one who wasn’t sidelined for lengthy periods by injuries. You’re overlooking the fact the Canadiens led the league in man-games lost to injury by a significant amount. Dach had 38 points in 58 games, which means he would’ve had over 50 had he been healthy. Caufield had 26 goals in 46 games and was on pace for 40 before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. The others who had 30-plus points also missed considerable time to injuries. Had they been healthy they were on pace to exceed 40 points.
@ Co,
I understand what you’re saying about Zegras, and I agree that he is a great talent. I also know that Montreal is still a little ways from competing for the Stanley Cup. However, to build a Stanley Cup contender you have to build the team write. Adding Zegras to the Canadians you are just adding a repetitive piece. Yeah, he may be the most skilled of those pieces, but a repetitive one at that. I wasn’t comparing the Canadians forward group to the Leafs forward group. I was just saying it’s not smart to add a piece that you already have an abundance of. IMO what Montreal needs at this point of their rebuild is a veteran with strong leadership skills.
I may be an old hockey fan, but I don’t consider myself a traditionalist. I like to see players like Zegras who get creative offensively. For leagues to be successful they need to move forward.
Lyle I didn’t know the conn smythe award was a team leadership award.
I thought it went to the player whom they deem was the best player for their team.
Winnipeg just traded a 1st round pick to Montreal for Sean Monahan.
I don’t think the expectation is for Monahan to lead the Jets to the cup.
The expectation is that he’ll help the team to achieve the goal.
It’s an odd statement to say “I don’t think he can lead them to the cup”
that’s an unrealistic goal and unjust pressure to put on any player.
Caper: And why were those players winners of the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP? Because they stepped up and led their teams. They are often the club’s best player, their captain, leading scorer or top goaltender.
Who said anyone was expecting Monahan to lead the Jets to the Cup?
What’s so odd about looking at a promising or established player and questioning their ability to lead a team to the Stanley Cup? Does character and maturity not count as much as their on-ice abilities?
Lyle,
I do know they had a ton of injuries and that only Suzuki played all 82.
But that’s kind of my point. Dach is once again sidelined (season?) and Caufield has never played a full season either.
How does Montreal see those players as Cup guys and thumb their nose at Zegras?
Unfortunately, “projected points and “what coulda been a “ don’t add up in the stat sheet.
I’m saying all this aware that Zegras is out with that ankle.
But , Zegras is without question the #2 c and possibly the #1 c today in Montreal.
Montreal should be concentrating on building a young roster. A young healthy roster. They’re not “that guy” or “that piece away”. Getting rid of some of the bad contracts . Getting out of the cellar, into the playoffs, then maybe talk about a cup guy add.
Baby steps.
They’re not even remotely close today.
As for the pressure of playing in Montreal, he wouldn’t be the 1st American scape goat in that city.
Max Pacioretty Survived.
Zegras being American has nothing to do with him handling the pressure in Montreal. It has to do with the fact that he’s not used to that type of market. He’s faced little pressure in Anaheim compared to what he would face in Montreal. Pacioretty handled it because the Canadiens drafted him. The Habs were his first NHL team.
You didn’t say anything about the Canadiens injuries last season when you stated they only had one player with points over 40. Context is important. If they had a healthy roster last season your point would’ve had more validity. Barring injuries this season, they’ll have three players with 40-plus points (Suzuki, Caufield, Matheson) while Slafkovksy stands a chance if he remains on the Suzuki line. Monahan would’ve made it four for sure until he was traded.
The Canadiens ARE concentrating on building a young, healthy roster. The injuries were more the result of really bad luck. They’re awash in young talent this season with more on the way. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but they HAVE gotten rid of bad contracts over the past three years. Yes, they still have Gallagher and Anderson for three more seasons but given what Hughes has done so far to shed supposedly unmoveable contracts (Jeff Petry, Mike Hoffman, the permanently sidelined Shea Weber), he might find a way to move one of those guys in the next year or two. With Price also on permanent LTIR, they’ve got $10.5 million to work with for next season).
I don’t see anything wrong with the Canadiens looking for a scorer. However, I think character is also important in that search as well as being defensively responsible.
Could Zegras be that player? From what I’ve seen of him, he’s gifted offensively but doesn’t pay much attention to the defensive game. Granted, the latter can be taught but I think the Habs would prefer a scorer who played more of a complete game. I’ve enjoyed his creative offensive style and have defended him more than once from the dinosaurs around the league who don’t like his Michigan-style goals. He also has a friendly personality and a terrific sense of humor that shines through in his interviews and on social media.
Nevertheless, the fact remains that Zegras is only known for those type of goals, which is why I said that he was famous for his trick shots. There is concern about other aspects of his game, including his play away from the puck. I also haven’t seen anything yet suggesting that he can step up in a leadership role. While he reached a career-best 65 points last season, there was reportedly some disappointment over his development last season.
As I said, Zegras being traded to Montreal is merely a hypothetical. The Ducks reportedly gauged the market but aren’t interested in moving him. Maybe that changes if Montreal ( or another club) makes the Ducks an offer too good to refuse. If the Habs do land him, he’d better be prepared for what’s in store or he’ll have a very difficult time.
As for Drouin, was he ever really as good as Drouin thought he was?
Shocking what happens when your teammates skill level drops from what he had in Tampa to Montreal (playing out of position). And when your game needs to answer your for your mouth .
Drouin tried to force his way I. Tampa and ended up in Montreal.
You make some valid points, but here’s where everyone gets lost.
“ Nevertheless, the fact remains that Zegras is only known for those type of goals”
The man has exactly 3 Michigan style goals out of 53 career NHL goals. 3.
If people only know Zegras for these type of goals, they’re not watching anything but the same exact 3 highlights over and over.
If you’re thinking this is his style and only style of play, you’d be shocked watching his creativeness.
I’ll be the 1st to admit, I had the same impression of him before my son asked “ why do you dislike him” and quickly debunked the idea this was his entire game after he had me watch him.
I gotta ask, there were a ton of people out there that had doubts about Bedards overall game. Specifically defensively. They don’t necessarily look wrong so far.
On pace for about 64-66 points. On pace to match Zegras first full year.
On pace for +/- -40 on pace to massively eclipse zegras’s -24 fist full year.
Smaller guy, 5’10”
Given the opportunity, flush full of young talent. Was Montreal passing on Bedard?
I know they’ve said he’s not available. Not sure I fully believe that given what they have at center. But imo, you just don’t pass on this guy.
“The man has exactly 3 Michigan style goals out of 53 career NHL goals. 3.”
Yes, and if you ask NHL fans what Zegras is known for, the reply will likely be those goals. That’s what got him the invite to the 2022 All-Star game skills competition to participate in one event: the breakaway challenge. He didn’t even earn an invite to play in the game itself. It’s what made him the cover boy for EA Sports NHL 23.
Perhaps if he played in a larger NHL market with a team that wasn’t rebuilding he would be known for more than that. But that’s his legacy right now.
You’re comparing Bedard and Zegras? Bedard’s a generational talent playing on a Blackhawks team that quickly lost most of the veterans it had to injuries or to alcohol-related incidents. He was rookie of the month in consecutive months and was getting better with each month. He was rookie of the month in November (12 points) and December (15 points) and became the young player in NHL history to be invited to participate in the All-Star Game before fracturing his jaw. Had Bedard stayed healthy, he’d likely be on a pace to exceed Zegras’ numbers. There is no comparison there.
Not really comparing the players. I’m comparing the perceived “flaws”.
“Smaller players”
Not defensively sound.
I’m not 100% I’d put Bedard into the “generational l” talent club.
I mean, by a lot of peoples perception, (and on ice results) he’s fundamentally flawed because his defensive play, right?
He’s messed 11 games so far. Playing the “if” rule / stats. He’s averaged .84 ppg. That puts him at 69 points for an 82 game season. 8 more points than Zegras’s first full season.
Zegras led his team in points that year and the next. That roster wasn’t exactly pretty either. And if I’m not mistaken same year as a bunch of vets getting ousted . Rackell, Getzl. Etc.
Those stats you cite of Bedard overlooks the obvious improvement in each month that he played. He had six points in nine games in October, 12 points in as many games in November, and 15 points in as many game in December. Even as teams were adjusting to him and putting the focus on containing him, he was producing at a point per game rate during those two months. As for his defensive stats, you’re talking about an 18-year-old kid making the jump to the NHL on a rebuilding team that has among the worst defensive stats this season. You’re drawing on a tiny sample size there.
Zegras had his defensive issues too with the Ducks in his rookie year. However, he was expected to improve with the club around him. The knock on him entering this season is that he needed to improve his defensive game, which is why head coach Greg Cronin was working with him at the start of this season. The injuries this season certainly haven’t helped him improve. Perhaps with a healthy season and an improved Ducks team in 2024-25, that aspect of his game will be better.
Zegras finished second among the Ducks in his rookie year and led them in points last season. However, there was a feeling of disappointment last season that his production only improved by four points. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek also wants his players to play a complete game. Again, that’s why Cronin was working on that aspect of his game with him at the start of the season.
““I see great things for Trevor,” Verbeek said. “I think when we look at him, I’m looking for him to develop more of a two-way game. And there’s going to be a lot of things that he’s going to be able to learn from coach Greg Cronin in how we’re going to play as a group.”
🍿
My gut tells me the Rangers will make a play for Zegras. He’s a local kid with a lot of personality. Dolan loves that. But the two questions are at what cost and can he play the way you need to win? Should be interesting
Captain Obvious, the Canadiens are in a full rebuilt for the first time in their existence + have been riddled with injuries. I think there is a little bit of bad will in your comments. You are speaking about Matthews, Marner and Nylander. Do you remember what the Leafs looked like when came time to draft them ? I mean spectacular fowards are not all you need to win a cup and in the Leaf’s case more than a single series…
Hughes has only started 2 years ago and yet he made pretty good draft picks with Slavkovsky (in a less talented draft year, a year later it would’ve been Bedard) Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher wich was the best D available last year.
He started building his team at the defensive position and this might be the Canadiens strenght for years to come with Kayden Ghule, Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Adam Engstrom, Struble, Xhekaj…
Noe he has all the asets to work on his offence. During the past two drafts he traded for two former 1st rounders in Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook and both were performing pretty good before their injuries and as for the Slafkovsky pick he is progressing alot this year, in a short time he will be a two way power foward, type of player you need in the playoffs.
It’s easy to critic and bring down a rebuilding team, let’s talk about it again in two three years okay ?
Hughes has done an amazing job so far for a rookie GM. When he arrived here he had to rebuild his training and scouting staff, he hired a new coach, he had to trade salary for assets, made som pretty good choices at the draft and traded for young undeveloped talent. All this in two years ! So please be fair in your comments my friend 😉
Rich,
There is zero bad will in my comments. Zero. There is nothing wrong with stating reality / realities.
I’m making the case of a Zegras trade. It seems the Canadian fan base has bad will toward a player who unquestionably would be an upgrade over pretty much the entire Montreal roster TODAY. The only arguable / debatable player would be Suzuki. Period / ended.
It great that Montreal is stockpiled picks and prospects, and again (and let me preface this with I say it about ALL teams that overvalue prospects/ picks)
Picks and prospects are just that, prospects. A 1st rounder / basic coin flip of success to be a player in the NHL and that’s not elite, superstar , generational talent. That’s 1sr liner to 4th liner.
Today, Zegras is the better player than Dach, Slavkovsky, etc. this isn’t really arguable..
This is fact.
I think people are grossly attached to their prospects to the point of blindness and refusal to follow statistics.
Laffrienere, Kakko, Chytil, Miller etc. have all been heavily debated on this board, some of which is dead on.
I don’t lash out at different perspectives by calling people “haters” ( ewwww) or think that every other perspective is in “bad will”. It’s an outside perspective. I don’t have any disdain toward Montreal or their fan base . Zero!
They’re not rivals to NY or even in the same division. Saying a rebuilding team is a rebuilding team isn’t fighting words. It’s reality. Every team goes through it. Welcome to the cap world!
My perspective is just MY honest perspective. No malice or ill will. We can call a cat a bird all you like, but I’m pretty sure it’s not gonna fly!
Saying Montreal should at least consider adding a piece like Zegras and they’re not at the point of worrying about adding “that guy” or “that piece “ isn’t hateful, it’s reality!
They are NOWHERE near being a contender. That’s a harsh, but true reality.
Hell, NY is miles ahead in the standings. And I don’t think they’re “that guy “ away!
The Habs aren’t competing for the Stanley Cup for a few years so I’d go for Zegras now with some assets in Hughes disposal.
23 draft picks and a boatload of young prospects on the team and pipeline make development and assessment a priority in building the puzzle, Zegras is a talent tht’s lacking in the pipeline.
If a playoff type player is needed to groom the kids, re-sign Monahan this summer.
i agree with habsfan30 that Zegras is a high end prospect that may help the habs a few years down the road when they may be contenders. There have been lots of one dimensional players that matured into more complete game players (Yzerman, Kovalchuk) and some that helped their teams win cups in spite of being one dimensional (Kovalev, Klima). Depending on the asking price he could be an excellent prospect.
Zegras’ potential availability in the trade market arose because of the Ducks surprising everyone by trading Drysdale to the Flyers. That led to speculation over whether they’d also do the same with Zegras. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger a month ago, the Ducks may have quietly gauged his value in the trade market but they’re not shopping him.
“This is just part of going through the development of a young player who doesn’t necessarily play a complete game, but the Anaheim Ducks continue to work on that aspect,” said Dreger. “So, it’s something that we’re going to keep an eye on. Perhaps coming to a head in the off-season.”
That was before Zegras fractured his ankle.
If the Canadiens do pursue Zegras they’d better ensure he can handle the pressure of playing in Montreal. It wasn’t that long ago that the previous management swapped Mikhail Sergachev to Tampa Bay for Jonathan Drouin. While the latter tried his best, he struggled under the pressure in Montreal. Sergachev, meanwhile, went on to blossom into a reliable top-four defenseman in Tampa Bay.
Lyle, is there a rule within a year a player can’t be traded back to the same team?
If there was retained salary you have to wait 1 calendar year from the trade date.
I think that applies to retained salary transactions.
Canadiens followers want Hughes to acquire Zegras…❓
Why they already have enough Small Forwards in the top 6….
Zegras is young, possesses dazzling offensive Moves and lots of show & not much dough,….. but has only 7pts in 20 games this year, 3 G & 4A…on paice for 22 points
Cole Caufeild is way better, he has 40 points so far this year after a slower start to his season
A number of young habs forwards have missed lots of games
Kirby Dach 46 games
Alex Newhook 25 games
Christian Dvorak 23 games
They need to move some older vet’s out,
-Jake Allen’$3.9M
-Brendan Gallagher $6.5M
-Josh Anderson $5.5M
Trades they should make
-Grab a big Centre like Elias lindholm in the UFA Market for there 2nd line Centre
-Go after a starting Goaltender like Preds 28 yr old Juuse Saros
There d is Very Young
2X 22 yrs old
2X 23 yrs old
+ 3 more Very Good young d prospects on route🤔
and 4-5 Winger type Forwards
Couple of things here.
Zegras hasn’t exactly been healthy. I’m not even sure when he’s due back so not sure how to project his numbers.
Zegras had played 20 games, Caufield has been healthy and played 49. Not sure how you compare those two or claim he’s way better?
Caufields a winger, Zegras a center. Why are we comparing the two?
Good luck moving Anderson or Gallagher. I don’t see teams lining up without further incentives.
I’m with you on Montreal being on the smaller side, but disagree with everything else.
Going into the game today:
MTL- 6’1″ 203.2
WSH- 6’2″ 201.3
So is WSH considered small?
Well, I think we were both talking about their younger forwards / future.
Suzuki
Caufield
Suzuki 5’11” 212
Dach. 6’ 4” 217
Newhook 5’11” 199
Slaf. 6’3” 230
You s Dach playing tonight?
You weren’t just talking about tonights game & I already showed you that are as big as WSH, with Dach they are a bigger team. You are saying they are a small team because of Caulfield.
Okay, they’re both HUGE. I’ll see you at the ECF’s between the two?
You’ve strengthened my argument about Zegras to Montreal.
Thank you!
Hey Captain,
personaly i would Not trade for Zegras….🤔
Habs trade bate
-Gallagher would be a salary dump,
-Anderson is a trade for a pick to a contender
-JA the tender would go for a 2nd pick
Goaltenders look like they are demand
thats $16.M in Salarys right there if they could move these 3
Habs only have $6.5M in Cap space for 2024/5 season…. and $35M the following year 2025.
if they can move these guys they can go after a good big Centre, this season, Next year go after the Goaltender, Boston and The Preds both have 2 that will test the market out probly @$8M range for 7 years
they have lots of pick coming up in the next 2 drafts, 5 in the first 3 rounds of the 2024 draft
and
6 picks in the 2025 draft 1st 3 rounds ….❓
At this point Anderson and Gallagher cost picks to get rid of. Not return picks. No contender is taking on either cap hit with that kind of term, unless they quickly want to be non contenders .
Gallagher has 16 points in 48 games.
Anderson has 13 in 45.
The old “change of scenery “ hope and prayer don’t fly at 6.5 and 5.5 per with 3 1/2 years remaining.
Montreal can’t except not paying, retaining or taking bad money back on those deals.
If Hughes unloads those deals without any of that, he is the GM of the century!
But I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting on that .
I see Caufield and Suzuki are on the smaller side, but Slafkovsky is 6’3″. I don’t see size being an issue for the Canadians.
Unless the Canadians can get a couple of other wingers on their second line that can push the play and carry the puck up the ice I don’t see Lindholm helping them out.
With Primeau as the Canadians goalie in the near future, I don’t see them needing to trade for Saros.
IMO what the Canadians need is a veteran with a strong leadership ability. I just don’t know who that is that will be available.
I know he isn’t the “Stanley cup” piece but would CMB trade Laine for both those 1sts and Gallagher?
Laine closer to a game changer than Zegras as MTL has Suzuki, Dach, and Dvorak already as centers
Then with the rest of the picks MTL can rebuild their bottom 6 with gritty UFAs and cycle thru
And next yr, when healthy, mtl will have a different dynamic
Bottom 6 guys are always available
I doubt they go after Laine. His stock has really fallen off plus he’s got that hefty cap hit.
Dvorak is 28 and has never had more than 38 points.
He hasn’t had more than 33 in 5 years and has 7 points today. Zegras isn’t an upgrade?
Dach is young and developing, but has he ever come close to Zegras numbers? Will he?
Suzuki and Zegras have mirrored numbers.
If Montreal passed on Zegras because of Dvorak or Dach, the organization is further from a cup than I thought.
Fair assessments captain and Lyle
I suggested Laine even though his 9m bc it’d be offset a tad with sending Gallagher out
As far as dach I thought giving him the 2c to grow him by actually playing him in that role. They also have Newhook as 2c or 3c
Correct Dvorak hasn’t produced Zegras numbers but I thought MTL pipeline has someone to take 3c by the time DVorak contract is up in 2
Zegras would make it fun to watch and have him under Marty. Balancing 2 forward lines out better.
I see Chicago maybe picking up a guy like Zegras. They could benefit from acquiring a young talent like that.
Suzuki’s numbers would be higher if MTL had regular lines over the past few seasons because of injuries, he plays in all situation while Zegras don’t. So comparing them just based on #’s don’t do Suzuki justice, he is a 200 ft player, Zegras is not.
I’m searching for “IF” stats. I keep hearing this today.
Can someone please provide a link to if or what if stats?
Seeing the past year go by, I would say the Jets were very smart to distance themselves from Laine and PLD hahaha
both now overpaid and ineffective.
Zegras is 6’0 185, not big but not exactly “small”
The Habs are short on scoring, , 136 being 2nd least in the Eastern Conference, 25 of them coming from the D.
The team isn’t the same as a few years ago with 4 of the top 9 being 6’3 and size in the pipeline.
PLD has size and is a centre but I and many of the Hab fans here had 0 interest in the guy.
Montreal is a pressure filled environment and not everybody thrives here, like Drouin who is doing fine in Colorado .
Zegras name has come up because he has fallen out of favor and the future is McTavish and Carlsson while Centers are playing on the wing.
This Lyle Richardson guy can get really fired up, can’t he?
Cheers, mate!
Lyle you used Brad Marchand name a couple of times.
Marchand was benched in game 7 of the playoff by the Moosehead.
Took years of Chara and Bergeron to turn Marchand into the leader he is today.
All that doesn’t matter, my disagreement with you is you don’t see the player being able to lead the team to the Stanley Cup?
Zegras who will soon just turn 23! Why does he need to lead, why can’t he be an exceptional player that is a major contributor to the cup run?
David Krejci lead the playoffs in points when Boston won the cup in 2011 but he isn’t considered a leader with a team that had Bergeron, Chara and Recchi on the team.
Boston doesn’t win the cup without Krejci.
Why can’t Zegras be Krejci?
good news… that’s my last rebuttal.
Caper, Maxim Lapierre brought up Marchand. He’s obviously referring to the player Marchand became, not the kid who got benched in Junior. He’s talking about character and overall performance.
I question Zegras’ leadership at this point because I’ve seen nothing yet to suggest he has it. Yes, he’s very talented offensively, no question. He’s personable and funny. He seems like a good kid. But there are concerns about his overall game. Maybe he can grow into that, maybe he won’t. Maybe he returns healthy next season and grows his game. If he does, then my opinion of him will change.
Nick Suzuki was 23 when he was named captain of the Canadiens. It was obvious this kid could step up and lead, especially in playoff competition. He impressed Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper so much that he took the time to praise Suzuki personally during the handshake line following the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
I haven’t seen anything comparable in Zegras yet.
Lyle, one player won’t make the difference, not in Montreal or any rebuilding team.
Lapierre acknowledges that Zegras has extraordinary talent, hands, shot and creativity along with a deservedly confident attitude.
MSL has taught Caufield and Slafkovsky to be more than just shooters, both take backchecking and defensive zone presence seriously now, though Monahan was probably a big help there.
When it comes to leadership it doesn’t necessarily come from scorers, many outstanding Habs Captains and leaders weren’t the highest scorers.
Young guys with “character” are in the pipeline but no players with Zegras scoring ability.
There’s young leadership on the team for the future, Suzuki, Guhle and more coming.
You never know where that mentorship will come from eg Nate Thompson taught Suzuki how to be a pro and Corey Perry added to it, a journeyman and a triple gold club member.