I'm used to seeing everything get flamed on here but whatever.

I think Mtl needs to do something drastic and unexpected though.

I also think Subban wants too much and risks screwing over the team in terms of cap space if he gets what he wants, at least for the next few seasons.

I also know it will likely never happen, but again, whatever.

I was looking at trying to get the first overall pick from Florida and have 2 directions to go but think the one is easier to pull off.

My thought was along the lines of trading Subban, potentially Bourque and our 1st round pick to Florida for their 1st and potentially Fleischmann.

Florida gets a player in Subban that they will know exactly what they are getting and they have tons of cap space to sign him and free up a little space with having Bourque over Fleischmann. It allows them to build around Subban but I think a deciding factor for Florida is that they could get Subban to sign long term so that he doesn't run off on them, you never know.

Montreal spends a bit more on Fleischmann but get out of his contract next year for similar expectations of what would be provided by Bourque. They can then draft Ekblad, sign Markov and support a group of good young defensemen in Ekblad, Beaulieu and Tinordi. They should also be left with some cap space to add another mid level top 9 forward or just keep Gionta, whichever is possible and ensure they have a bit of depth.

It may take a little something extra to get the deal done though.

Mtl's defense pairings would need some work. Cap hits are approximate for the lines.

Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher (8.87M)
Galchenyuk-Plekanec-??? (8.225M)
Fleischmann-Eller-??? (7M)
Prust-Briere-Weise (7.5M)

Markov-Ekblad (9.25M)
Gorges-Beaulieu (5.175M)
Emelin-Tinordi (5.183M)

Price
Budaj (7.9M)

I projected Eller at $2.5M which he may get less. Hard to say. I projected Markov at $6M which I hope we can get him for a bit less, and Ekblad at $3.25M with bonuses.

You could move Moen, White, Budaj to free up some space. Could make a move for a right handed defenseman in place of Emelin or Gorges. There are a few options here to get some depth as well with about $12 million to play with for 2 top 9 forwards.

Again, I know Subban is a big part of the face of this team, but I really dislike the lack of options the team ends up with if Subban is signed to a massive contract.

Subban for Fleischman and a 1st?

This is a serious under value of what many consider to be the best Dman in the league, or at least top 3. I understand that it is the 1st overall but still.

Here is my thing. Subban is needed. Need badly but if the Habs do want to trade him then the asking price would be absorbidant.

To Florida hypothetically

Gudbanson, 1st overall and a young forward would likely be the price.

My thing is is I question whether a team will offer Subban a contract North of $8.4 million. This is where the Habs must really make a decision. Match, figure out a trade or take compensation.

And it's not an easy decision.

Just imagine if Edmonton offered the money. Habs get their 1st round pick for the next 4 years. Or maybe they get a young forward like yakupov and Nurse.]

With that said, I fully expect Subban to be signed prior to July 1st in the $7-8 million per year for 8 year range.

It's such a fun time of year

This is what I would do if this was my team.

1) Trade Moen now.....chances of this are very slim so if no takers then I would buy him out. That is basically a $600k cap hit over the next 4 years. Definitely worth it. Means we could spean $1.2 million on a 4th line player who can and will do more.

2) Ideal world I would trad DD, but his value is not as big as Plekanec. So I would focus on trading away my #2 center. Not sure what the market is but I would see if I could trade him to either Chicago for Bryan Bickell or Vancouver for Alex Burrows. Both teams need a 2nd line center. For arguments sake I will say Vancouver and yes there will be more to it then straight up deal.

3) Trade Danny Briere back to Buffalo for a pick

4) I would sign either Ryan Callahan/Matt Moulson to a 5 year deal in and around $5.5 million per season (not sure what it would take though)

5) I would sign Jay McClement to a 3 year deal in and around $1.5 million per season

6) I would re-sign Gionta to a 2 year deal at $3 million a season

7) We need a top 4 Dman to shuffle the guys around and provide depth. I am thinking a veteran like Derek Morris at about $2.5 million per season

Team would look something like:

Pacioretty-Desharnais-Moulson/Callahan
Burrows-Galchenhyuk-Gallagher
Bourque-Eller-Gionta
Prust-Mcclement-Weise

Emelin-Subban
Gorges-Morris
Beaulieu/Tinordi-Weaver

Habs needs in order to be a true contender with current lineup are 1st line RW, 2nd Line LW and a top shutdown D-man to play with Subban. In a perfect world, I agree, they trade DD and keep Pleks but it will prob have to be the other way around. I also think Emelin is expendable.

If DD is kept:

Pacioretty - DD - RW Need
LW Need - Galcehnyuk - Gallagher
Prust - Eller - ?
Bournival - White - Weise

Subban - DMan
Beaulieu - Markov
Tinordi - Gorges
Weaver


If DD Dealt:
Pacioretty - Galchenyuk - Gallagher
LW Need - Eller - RW Need
Prust - Pleks - Gionta?
Bournival - White - Weise

Subban - DMan
Beaulieu - Markov
Tinordi - Gorges
Weaver

Tradeable Pieces are: DD/Pleks, Bourque, Moen, Emelin, Tokarski

Callahan would be a great RW on 2nd line with Eller, especially if they kept Vanek as LW (again with Eller).

E Kane would also be a great pickup for LW with Galchenyuk and Gallagher.

AS OP said, this thread will get flamed no matter what is said, so who cares, let's have fun!

See my original thinking has me actually undervaluing Subban, I honestly don't know what it is but despite his good behaviour around the Olympics, I lost a bit of like for him. If you could pull my deal thinking he is worth the 1st overall pick and we retain our top pick or something along those lines then that is great.

I've heard that Chicago is considering moving Sharp and if he could be had for Plekanec and maybe a bit of a plus, then I would be down with that and play Sharp with Pacioretty and Desharnais. I'd hope to sign one of Moulson, Callahan, Gaborik or Vanek to play LW with Galchenyuk and Gallagher. If I needed to move Eller, I might do that and try for the likes of Bolland and get a third line winger or just re-sign Gionta.

I'd also try to sign Niskanen for another right handed shot. Keeping Emelin and Gorges is a possibility for stability but one if them might be able to go.

Move Moen and Budaj for a little extra cap space if needed too.

Lines:

Pacioretty-Desharnais-Sharp
Moulson/Callahan/Gaborik/Vanek/Other-Galchenyuk-Gallagher
Bourque/Fleischmann/Other-Eller/Bolland/Other-Gionta/Other
Prust-Briere-Weise
Bournival-White

Markov-Ekblad
Emelin-Niskanen
Gorges-Beaulieu
Tinordi-Weaver/Other

Price
Budaj/Tokarski

I personally think its achievable, especially if you need to go as far as Plekanec and our 1st to get Sharp if you don't need our 1st to get Ekblad for Subban.

Keep Subban...period.

I think he will sign 1 of 2 deals:
8 yrs at 7.5 Mil Per
or 4 yrs at $8 Mil per

The short deal gives him UFA sooner.

Patch-DD-???
??-Galch-Gally
Bourque-Eller-??
Prust-Boyle-Weisse

I think the D can get help via UFA

Let Markov and Gorges walk/trade

Emelin/Tinordi - Subban
Beaulieu-Stralman
Emelin/Tinordi - Pateryn

Nygren
Weaver

And use the $$ for patching holes.

We are not going to win a cup anytime soon but we will have some kids to work into the lineup over the next few years ie Crisp, McCarron etc so we have to endure some growing pains as we do or the young D will never get in.

"I think Mtl needs to do something drastic and unexpected though. "

Almost funny...

We make it to the East final and we "need a drastic change"...

Funniest fan base of all.
And I used to be proud to say that we knew our hockey...

Let's trade Subban/Price/Plek...
Without one of these 3 in our line-up, we don't make playoff next year,
they're among the best at what they do best and not replacable.

Let's fire the coach ?? sure..lol
Don't sign Markov and Georges?? And play with 5 rookies at D? OMG
It's the NHL, not Hamilton...

"I think Mtl needs to do something drastic and unexpected though. "

Almost funny...

We make it to the East final and we "need a drastic change"...

Funniest fan base of all.
And I used to be proud to say that we knew our hockey...

Let's trade Subban/Price/Plek...
Without one of these 3 in our line-up, we don't make playoff next year,
they're among the best at what they do best and not replacable.

Let's fire the coach ?? sure..lol
Don't sign Markov and Georges?? And play with 5 rookies at D? OMG
It's the NHL, not Hamilton...
- DrDoom

I don't think we need to do anything drastic, but we still have to move forward.
Let's face it even with Price we had ZERO chance of winning a SCF vs Kings/Hawks/Ducks.

"I think Mtl needs to do something drastic and unexpected though. "

Almost funny...

We make it to the East final and we "need a drastic change"...

Funniest fan base of all.
And I used to be proud to say that we knew our hockey...

Let's trade Subban/Price/Plek...
Without one of these 3 in our line-up, we don't make playoff next year,
they're among the best at what they do best and not replacable.

Let's fire the coach ?? sure..lol
Don't sign Markov and Georges?? And play with 5 rookies at D? OMG
It's the NHL, not Hamilton...
- DrDoom

Someone with a bit of sense. Thank you.

Someone with a bit of sense. Thank you.
- kehmesis

In 2-3 years we will have young forwards that need to make the team, so unless you want to bring in ALL your youth at the same time and have 2 or 3 rookie F and 2 or 3 rookie D at the same time then yes let's not work any in and keep the status quo.

Maybe they will start hanging ECF banners soon or we can play 4 games in SCF and be happy with just making it to the dance.

I am hoping the brain trust is looking 2-3 years down the line and not just being happy with the last year.

I don't think we need to do anything drastic, but we still have to move forward.
Let's face it even with Price we had ZERO chance of winning a SCF vs Kings/Hawks/Ducks.
- braidan

I still think Habs would have beaten LAX/Hawks if they had made it to Final...
But we'll never know...

You can't add more than 2 starting roster rookies to your line-up in the same year...

Unless you start a re-construction process, (which Habs aren't, and never will).

If they're ready and are not learning anything in Hamilton (and no space in roster)
You have to trade them... not fun but logic. You don't phoque-up your roster cause you have rookies ready (unless they're Gally's type. and can be better/egual to the one they replace, right away).

IMO

I still think Habs would have beaten LAX/Hawks if they had made it to Final...But we'll never know...

You can't add more than 2 starting roster rookies to your line-up in the same year...

Unless you start a re-construction process, (which Habs aren't, and never will).

If they're ready and are not learning anything in Hamilton (and no space in roster)
You have to trade them... not fun but logic. You don't phoque-up your roster cause you have rookies ready (unless they're Gally's type. and can be better/egual to the one they replace, right away).

IMO
- DrDoom

Hawks yes, LA would have swept Habs...easily.

...You can't add more than 2 starting roster rookies to your line-up in the same year... ...

IMO
- DrDoom

So we have Tinordi, Beaulieu and Pateryn who are close if not ready for the NHL and we may not add them in this year.

In a year or 2 when we have some F prospects who may be ready what then? delay them so we can work the D in slowly? or throw in D AND F prospects the same year?
I would rather lose an older player than to give up on a prospect see McDonagh.

So we have Tinordi, Beaulieu and Pateryn who are close if not ready for the NHL and we may not add them in this year.

In a year or 2 when we have some F prospects who may be ready what then? delay them so we can work the D in slowly? or throw in D AND F prospects the same year?
I would rather lose an older player than to give up on a prospect see McDonagh.
- braidan

I agree also, but it's not what he Habs have always done...
They probably won't sign Murray and Bouillon, we'll see about Weaver, that's 2 spots. But they'll probably go get at least 1 on UFA or Trade... Re-signing Markov
lowered Beaulieu's chance. Tinordi is a must IMO.
And I'd like to see McCarron and Andrighetto get a chance.

Losing Murray/Bouillon and Parros, they'll go for size on UFA...

Plekanec, Gorges, 1st round pick, Eller. Something like that for the 1st overall pick from Florida and maybe a minimal something else. Draft Ekblad.

Trade Subban to Edmonton for the third overall and 1 of Yakupov, Perron or Gagner. Draft Draisaitl.

Throw money at Niskanen.

Edit: sorry, had to post in a hurry and didn't get to explain. Heard there was an offer of Plekanec, fucale and our first for the first overall. With mine, I know Florida wants someone younger as well who can play and I know they likely mean better than Eller but I'm not letting Pacioretty, Gallagher or Galchenyuk go.

I still like my previous suggestion of Bourque for Fleischmann as an add in bc fleischmann's contract ends next summer which allows some cap space to be free sooner for Galchenyuk and Gallagher who are RFA's next summer.

Pleky is the only centre who gets moved who gets any kind of a return.

With the cap only going to about $70M, I really don't like the idea of giving more than 10% of the cap to 1 player. I love Subban's personality but his defensive gaffes just make me wonder sometimes.

To me, Ekblad screams future Weber, Keith, Seabrook type of dman. I think this is all about the quality of the players and what they can become.

If Subban's going to settle on something closer to $7M, then keep him, anything more, I'd prefer to have 2 good assets for the same price.

Of Gagner, Yakupov and Perron, I'd honestly want Perron the most, but not sure if we get him, could likely easily get Yakupov or Gagner. Gagner is my last option.

On the other side, I'm thinking future too. Ekblad would be up for a big contract after his ELC as markov's contract ends in 3 years which would be perfect.

I'd aim to put money into Niskanen for another right handed shot. I'd go as far as $6M a year for 6 years on him.

Play Markov with Niskanen now. Put Emelin with Ekblad with the option of Ekblad and Beaulieu on the second power play unit or mixing it up to mix youth and experience at times between Markov, Niskanen, Beaulieu and Ekblad.

I'd just try to sign a cheap, older right handed defensive defenseman for the third pairing. Then look at tinordi and pateryn as the 7/8 guys.

Up front, tough to say. Go for iginla if you can. That would be great. I'd want 2 years at $6M per. I'd even offer him 3 years if it sealed the deal. Maybe at $5.5M cap hit if its 3 years.

Try michalek or moulson as preferences for a LW. Heatley at a discount as a backup option.

To me, it screams Bergevin. Build through the draft, have some more experience in the lineup and have some strong character. You also can choose to send Draisaitl back to junior or keep him but know that he can replace Desharnais, with size, down the road. Galchenyuk and Draisaitl as your top 2 centres in 3 years spells success.

Pacioretty-Desharnais-Iginla
Moulson/Michalek/Heatley-Galchenyuk-Perron/Yakupov
Bourque/Fleischmann/Other-Eller/Draisaitl/Other-Gallagher
Prust-Briere-Weise
Moen-Bournival

Markov-Niskanen
Emelin-Ekblad
Beaulieu-Other
Tinordi-Pateryn

Price
Budaj/Tokarski

Maximum Cap Hit - ~$77M

So I obviously choose to try and trade Briere for a cheaper option. Trade Budaj and use Tokarski, trade Moen and sign the cheapest but best option for the money for the second line left winger. Yakupov is also currently the cheapest option contract-wise for those potentially coming back from Edmonton.

Plekanec, Gorges, 1st round pick, Eller. Something like that for the 1st overall pick from Florida and maybe a minimal something else. Draft Ekblad.

Trade Subban to Edmonton for the third overall and 1 of Yakupov, Perron or Gagner. Draft Draisaitl.

Throw money at Niskanen.
- Elfward

On the bright side you didn't give Price away too

Plekanec, Gorges, 1st round pick, Eller. Something like that for the 1st overall pick from Florida and maybe a minimal something else. Draft Ekblad.

Trade Subban to Edmonton for the third overall and 1 of Yakupov, Perron or Gagner. Draft Draisaitl.

Throw money at Niskanen.

Edit: sorry, had to post in a hurry and didn't get to explain. Heard there was an offer of Plekanec, fucale and our first for the first overall. With mine, I know Florida wants someone younger as well who can play and I know they likely mean better than Eller but I'm not letting Pacioretty, Gallagher or Galchenyuk go.

I still like my previous suggestion of Bourque for Fleischmann as an add in bc fleischmann's contract ends next summer which allows some cap space to be free sooner for Galchenyuk and Gallagher who are RFA's next summer.

Pleky is the only centre who gets moved who gets any kind of a return.

With the cap only going to about $70M, I really don't like the idea of giving more than 10% of the cap to 1 player. I love Subban's personality but his defensive gaffes just make me wonder sometimes.

To me, Ekblad screams future Weber, Keith, Seabrook type of dman. I think this is all about the quality of the players and what they can become.

If Subban's going to settle on something closer to $7M, then keep him, anything more, I'd prefer to have 2 good assets for the same price.

Of Gagner, Yakupov and Perron, I'd honestly want Perron the most, but not sure if we get him, could likely easily get Yakupov or Gagner. Gagner is my last option.

On the other side, I'm thinking future too. Ekblad would be up for a big contract after his ELC as markov's contract ends in 3 years which would be perfect.

I'd aim to put money into Niskanen for another right handed shot. I'd go as far as $6M a year for 6 years on him.

Play Markov with Niskanen now. Put Emelin with Ekblad with the option of Ekblad and Beaulieu on the second power play unit or mixing it up to mix youth and experience at times between Markov, Niskanen, Beaulieu and Ekblad.

I'd just try to sign a cheap, older right handed defensive defenseman for the third pairing. Then look at tinordi and pateryn as the 7/8 guys.

Up front, tough to say. Go for iginla if you can. That would be great. I'd want 2 years at $6M per. I'd even offer him 3 years if it sealed the deal. Maybe at $5.5M cap hit if its 3 years.

Try michalek or moulson as preferences for a LW. Heatley at a discount as a backup option.

To me, it screams Bergevin. Build through the draft, have some more experience in the lineup and have some strong character. You also can choose to send Draisaitl back to junior or keep him but know that he can replace Desharnais, with size, down the road. Galchenyuk and Draisaitl as your top 2 centres in 3 years spells success.

Pacioretty-Desharnais-Iginla
Moulson/Michalek/Heatley-Galchenyuk-Perron/Yakupov
Bourque/Fleischmann/Other-Eller/Draisaitl/Other-Gallagher
Prust-Briere-Weise
Moen-Bournival

Markov-Niskanen
Emelin-Ekblad
Beaulieu-Other
Tinordi-Pateryn

Price
Budaj/Tokarski

Maximum Cap Hit - ~$77M

So I obviously choose to try and trade Briere for a cheaper option. Trade Budaj and use Tokarski, trade Moen and sign the cheapest but best option for the money for the second line left winger. Yakupov is also currently the cheapest option contract-wise for those potentially coming back from Edmonton.
- Elfward

In other words, start a total and complete rebuild cause we suck?

In other words, start a total and complete rebuild cause we suck?
- habman75

I don't know why people call it a rebuild when you make note if something for the future. There's a lot of benefits in there for the NOW.

Plekanec trade options are quite potentially out there so that may happen no matter what.

To me, this team has a lot of good things going for it now, just not the right pieces in the right place is the bigger issue.

My suggestions, which is all they are, for the sake of fun, bc I love this time if year, also address size, both now and down the road.

I'd even suggest 2 other options.

Trade a 5th rounder to pittsburgh now to sign Niskanen before July 1st and, although I dislike this one a bit, while still having Vanek's rights, if you pulled off the draft trades and signed Niskanen, offer Vanek an 8 year deal in the Gaborik vicinity, maybe slightly higher cap hit. Not sure if I think he's really the right option though. If you got Perron, then sure, but if you got Yakupov, then he doesn't scream out to me as the kind of guy who has to make up for the defensive shortcomings of Yakupov.

Do you watch hockey?

Do you watch hockey?
- muffin_man

This whole thread is painful

This whole thread is painful
- Shutdown

Meh, it's just armchair gming.

Would you prefer:

TRADE GORGES
TRADE PLEKS

FIRE MT
FIRE TIMMINS

YOU SUCK
HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED/PLAYED HOCKEY

SIGN GIONTA/LET GIONTA WALK

BOOBIE PICS

But instead let's have a thread off the beaten path that let's folks say what they would like to do....since I'm pretty sure MB doesn't post here it will come to naught but some guys having a little fun and flinging crap at a wall to see what sticks.

You can also just go back to fantasy sports games or EA sports or whatever and avoid this thread all together if it annoys your sensibilities.

Meh, it's just armchair gming.

Would you prefer:

TRADE GORGES
TRADE PLEKS

FIRE MT
FIRE TIMMINS

YOU SUCK
HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED/PLAYED HOCKEY

SIGN GIONTA/LET GIONTA WALK

BOOBIE PICS

But instead let's have a thread off the beaten path that let's folks say what they would like to do....since I'm pretty sure MB doesn't post here it will come to naught but some guys having a little fun and flinging crap at a wall to see what sticks.

You can also just go back to fantasy sports games or EA sports or whatever and avoid this thread all together if it annoys your sensibilities.
- braidan

I have read 7 words total of this thread

I have read 7 words total of this thread
- Shutdown

Meh, it's just armchair gming.

Would you prefer:

TRADE GORGES
TRADE PLEKS

FIRE MT
FIRE TIMMINS

YOU SUCK
HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED/PLAYED HOCKEY

SIGN GIONTA/LET GIONTA WALK

BOOBIE PICS

But instead let's have a thread off the beaten path that let's folks say what they would like to do....since I'm pretty sure MB doesn't post here it will come to naught but some guys having a little fun and flinging crap at a wall to see what sticks.

You can also just go back to fantasy sports games or EA sports or whatever and avoid this thread all together if it annoys your sensibilities.
- braidan

Wow, Prax. Just wow.