I’ve been watching some of the Laval Rocket’s playoff games.
With his injury, Reinbacher looks like he could use more time in the AHL, at least for part of the season. I have seen growth in his game, but he just needs more time.
Mailloux is still really bad defensively, making bad pinches, and coughing up the puck, he is not ready and I am not sure his bad defensive coverages will make him a decent NHL player. Unless things improve dramatically, he looks more and more like a 6-7 guy in the NHL.
The one player that impressed me on D was Adam Engström (or maybe, I just had low expectations for him before watching), he often looked very solid out there, but again, still rough around the edges. But at this point, ahead of Mailloux.
Given all that, I expect the Habs to go out and get some type of stop-gap Veteran RD, likely via trade given that some of those UFAs are too old (and will want long-term contracts). Of the ones you listed, Rasmus Andersson is likely the best option, but I am not sure the Flames are willing to trade him, given their lack of depth on defence and he has a cheap contract for next year. I suspect they they will likely try to extend him.
I think trading for Dobson is unlikely, given their more pressing need for second line center/scoring. I think the Habs will use their prime assets to address this issue (unless they go for a short-term older UFA to play with Demidov, like Duchene, Granlund or Nelson on a 2-3 year contract).
My guess is that HuGo do another under-the-radar trade, such as the Carrier trade from last year. I suspect it won’t be a flashy player, won’t be a long-term contract, but they will do the job until Reinbacher is ready.
