- This topic has 157 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated 8 months, 1 week ago by
.
-
Posts
-
-
After watching the Stanley Cup Final battle between the Oilers and Panthers, it’s clear that the Habs still have a way to go before they can be considered serious cup contenders. As we approach the 2025/26 season, there are urgent needs to tackle, as well as some longer-term changes needed to the Habs roster.
The second line conundrum:
It’s fair to say that Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook failed to fill the need for second line center, both look more suited to middle-six wing roles. Michael Hague is still a few years from being ready, assuming he develops, while Owen Beck seems more of a reliable bottom six center in the NHL.
There has been discussion about possibly trading for RFAs such as Mason McTavish or Marco Rossi. Neither appears to be a great choice, considering how the Dach / Newhook trades haven’t worked out, at this stage of the re-built I doubt the Habs want to risk trying that again.
From a UFA standpoint, Tavares (probably remaining in Toronto), Duchene (possibly too old/slow), Donato (one solid season in a contract year), or Mikael Granlund (not very appealing or top-tier) are not ideal long-term options either. While Sam Bennet appears intriguing, the rumored $10M per year max contract seems like a bad idea (plus, I believe he will stay in Florida).
There have been discussions about acquiring a more experienced center. Although Crosby’s name has come up, that seems very unlikely. But what if we paired someone like a Malkin with Demidov? That could be a possibility.
I believe the Habs will sign someone like Granlund or Duchene on a 2-3 year contract, with a much lower chance of a Malkin-type player trade taking place, to fill the #2 center spot for the 2025/26 season, while they look for better long-term options down the road.
Returning UFAs:
I fully expect the Habs to move on from Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, and Michael Pezzetta, potentially opening up spots for players like Kapanen, Beck and Mini-WiFi.
I could also see the Habs brining back Dvorak on a cheap 1-2 year deal, depending on how successful they are at acquiring players to fill middle-six roles. He is solid in the face-off circle and defensively / on the PK.
Replacing Savard:
As Hugo wrote, the Habs need to replace David Savard.
After watching a few of the Rocket playoff games, David Reinbacher just needs more time in Laval. Logan Mailloux has size and offensive potential, but his defensive play continues to haunt his game. Neither player is ready to take Savard’s place at the beginning of the season.
It seems reasonable to think that Matheson (if he isn’t traded), Guhle, Hutson, and Carrier are a lock. The Habs have a good idea of how the likes of Xhekaj, Struble, Mailloux, and Reinbacher fit in their plans (more than any other position in the organization).
Is Noah Dobson the solution? The expense of acquiring him and the long-term contract commitment raises concerns (if the Islanders are even considering trading him). From a UFA standpoint, the practicality of costly contracts for veterans like Ekblad or Burns is counterproductive, and other alternatives are not particularly appealing.
Hugo mentioned that Rasmus Anderson could be the ideal choice for a trade. Anderson has a manageable $4.55 cap hit for one more season, but the Flames are short on defensive depth, so it will be intriguing to see if they keep him.
I anticipate the Habs will make a significant effort to acquire a top-4 right-handed defenseman during the off-season, securing their core four D while also having solid prospects to strengthen the top six going forward (or to eventually use as trade assets to fix secondary scoring and size).
A backup for Monty:
Monty has been okay, but he tends to be inconsistent, especially when he plays too many games in a row. Primeau got another chance at the back-up role in 2024/25 but did not perform well (again). Although Jakub Dobes started strong for the Habs, his lack of experience and raw skills became evident in his later games.
I believe Primeau’s time with the Habs organization is coming to an end.
Next year, the starting goalies in Laval should be Dobes (I appreciate his size and aggressiveness in goal, but he needs to improve on some fundamentals) and rookie Jacob Fowler.
The Habs require a reliable back-up who can start at least 30-35 games. There are several veteran back-ups available in free agency (Dan Vladar, Alex Lyon), or they could trade for a veteran goalie for a 4th round pick, etc…
But the ideal fit might be to bring back UFA Jake Allen.
Where’s the beef?
If you’ve been following the Cup Final (or just the Habs games against Washington), both skill and size are important.
The Habs have some bigger prospects, but not many of them play aggressively/big (except for Florian Xhekaj). I believe the Habs will focus on drafting heavier players this year, especially since there are some intriguing candidates who also possess skill.
Depending on what they do with their draft picks, the Habs could have a chance at selecting Carter Bear, Lynden Lakovic, Jack Nesbitt, possibly even on defense, Kashawn Aitcheson or Radim Mrtka..
TLDR: The Habs probably won’t make a major move for a #2 center and will likely choose a temporary fix instead. They are likely to pursue a RHD to secure their top four. Is there a chance Jake Allen returns as a backup? Additionally, they are likely to use their draft picks (if they retain them) to add some beef with skill to the prospect pool.
What do you think the Habs will do in the next few weeks?
-
i like the alex lyon idea.
if jake goes back to montreal and still doesn’t go with cool gear like he did in st. louis, i’m gonna be real unhappy with him.
-
Kick said:
i like the alex lyon idea.
if jake goes back to montreal and still doesn’t go with cool gear like he did in st. louis, i’m gonna be real unhappy with him.
I am not sold on Lyon, very inconsistent.
I still think Allen would like to finish in a Habs uniform, and given there is a plethora of same-quality back-ups available, why not go with the (former) devil you know?
Habs will likely force him to put “get cool gear” in the contract.
-
-
ever heard of the story about the three holes in the ground..?
well, well, well… 😉
for a second there I thought you were just teasing us and wouldn’t post anything lol, good job! ????
I think Armia might just stick around, he was less effective towards the end of last season but he’s a good reliable veteran presence to have for this young group, if it’s at a reasonable price and term.
I’d be very surprised if Jake Allen came back, I’m almost certain both parties have moved on, but weirder things have happened.
apparently the penguins have confirmed they wouldn’t be re-signing Malkin, so who knows if he could join the habs, but I enjoy considering the Crosby pipe dream a whole lot… can you imagine how insane that would be? holy. ????
-
Pat said:
apparently the penguins have confirmed they wouldn’t be re-signing Malkin, so who knows if he could join the habs, but I enjoy considering the Crosby pipe dream a whole lot… can you imagine how insane that would be? holy. ????
I think it would be cool for Habs fans, but the expectations on him would be ridiculous. They would want Sid to be the Sid from his prime and accept no less.
Regardless, he would still be an amazing 2nd line center and make the Habs depth in the middle 6 really strong.
But I am also a sucker for players who play their whole career for 1 team, especially a player that has meant so much to an organization.
I was sort of sad to see Ray Bourque go to the Avs, but he wanted a cup, so I get that.
Sid has nothing left to prove.
Malkin has also meant a lot to the Pens, but not as much. I think he would be really good for Demidov, too. But Malkin does have 1 more year left, so who knows how the Pens play that out (or if they wait til the deadline).
Will be interesting to see what they do with that second line.
-
-
Looks like Pronman thinks the Habs will go big too.
He projects the Habs to get LW Carter Bear (#16), LW Lynden Lakovik (#17), C William More (#41) and D Carter Klippenstien (#49) in the first 2 rounds.
While this all seems unlikely to land as predicted (even if the Habs keep their picks), it does point to the thought (among many) the Habs will pick bigger / tougher players
-
Looks like Pronman thinks the Habs will go big too.
He projects the Habs to get LW Carter Bear (#16), LW Lynden Lakovik (#17), C William More (#41) and D Carter Klippenstien (#49) in the first 2 rounds.
While this all seems unlikely to land as predicted (even if the Habs keep their picks), it does point to the thought (among many) the Habs will pick bigger / tougher players
I don’t know a whole lot about Carter Bear, but Simon the snake Boisvert (who now works for the Olympiques de Gatineau 🙂 ) seems to like him quite a bit, and I like the name, so I hope the habs do get to pick him loll.
I think at the position they’re drafting they’re in a good spot to take a gamble on a player that has size and a certain skillset that could be developed further, as opposed to picking in the top 5 where the margin for error is usually almost non-existent.
-
Pat exclaimed:
I don’t know a whole lot about Carter Bear, but Simon the snake Boisvert (who now works for the Olympiques de Gatineau :)) seems to like him quite a bit, and I like the name, so I hope the habs do get to pick him loll.
I think at the position they’re drafting they’re in a good spot to take a gamble on a player that has size and a certain skillset that could be developed further, as opposed to picking in the top 5 where the margin for error is usually almost non-existent.
Yeah.
The pressure of a top 5 pick is huge, and with 2 picks in a row in the middle of the 1st, they can take a swing with one of them.
I really like Bear, but I honestly do not think he will be there at #16.
-
-
I think it would be cool for Habs fans, but the expectations on him would be ridiculous. They would want Sid to be the Sid from his prime and accept no less.
I don’t know about that, of course there’s a dumb portion of the fanbase who might complain that Crosby is “past his prime” but I feel the majority of fans would understand where he’s at in his career… there would most likely be an endless honeymoon between Crosby and the fanbase if he ever wears a habs jersey.
-
Pat astutely mentioned:
I don’t know about that, of course there’s a dumb portion of the fanbase who might complain that Crosby is “past his prime” but I feel the majority of fans would understand where he’s at in his career… there would most likely be an endless honeymoon between Crosby and the fanbase if he ever wears a habs jersey.
Habs would make their money back on jersey sales alone.
LOL.
-
-
-
Fido stated:
tks Mash! good job.
Malkin is done, passI think he is still a 60-65 point player, assuming he plays 70 games per year.
For a year or two, that might not be a terrible option.
I mention him specifically because of the Russian connection with Demidov, but I could see them looking for a similar-type of stop gap player for the 2nd line center, as there is quite frankly not much out there right now… but with Hughes and Gorton, you just never know…
-
-
I am not sold on Lyon, very inconsistent.
I still think Allen would like to finish in a Habs uniform, and given there is a plethora of same-quality back-ups available, why not go with the (former) devil you know?
Habs will likely force him to put “get cool gear” in the contract.
devils fans claim his rebound control was real bad and he was giving up a softie or giving up two quick goals too many times. but who knows, they’re devils fans comments i was reading. those people up there are all effed up in the head from all the smog, chemicals, and general north jerseyness (which is a documented clinical medical condition).
-
Kick wondered aloud:
devils fans claim his rebound control was real bad and he was giving up a softie or giving up two quick goals too many times. but who knows, they’re devils fans comments i was reading. those people up there are all effed up in the head from all the smog, chemicals, and general north jerseyness (which is a documented clinical medical condition).
I think when Markstrom missing about a dozen games to injury forced Allen to play too much last year in a short span, which did not help. Plus, the Devils were suppose to be contenders, so fans had high expectations, so many injuries derailed that train.
He is not a #1 (far from it), but he is in the pack of decent available back-up goalies, and only costs cap space and no additional assets.
If you limit his games to back0to-back nights and the occasional rest of Monty, he is not terrible.
There are worse, but likely better options out there.
-
-
-
Habs would make their money back on jersey sales alone.
LOL.
he could play just one game in a habs uniform and he’ll get a statue in front of the Bell centre loll
-
-
-
-
-
yeah, I don’t understand why the “reply” option is there but not functioning at all, it seems like it’s just a matter of activating it or something… I still prefer HB for the technical aspect and wouldn’t care if we continued posting there, but oh well.
-
Pat proselytizes:
yeah, I don’t understand why the “reply” option is there but not functioning at all, it seems like it’s just a matter of activating it or something… I still prefer HB for the technical aspect and wouldn’t care if we continued posting there, but oh well.
It is OK.
You can just admit you miss EK.
(and maybe even Pete.)
-
-
I think when Markstrom missing about a dozen games to injury forced Allen to play too much last year in a short span, which did not help. Plus, the Devils were suppose to be contenders, so fans had high expectations, so many injuries derailed that train.
He is not a #1 (far from it), but he is in the pack of decent available back-up goalies, and only costs cap space and no additional assets.
If you limit his games to back0to-back nights and the occasional rest of Monty, he is not terrible.
There are worse, but likely better options out there.
i always kind of liked him anyway. and everyone knows you can’t trust devils fans.
-
-
-
-
-
-
it’s all Erik Karlsson’s fault loll
Pens are in trouble. no prospects, old vets with huge contracts, a GM not sure anyone should trust….
poor Sid-
Fido rightly stated:
Pens are in trouble. no prospects, old vets with huge contracts, a GM not sure anyone should trust….
They had a good run there for a long time, and passing the torch from Lemieux to Crosby (and Malkin) just gave them even more success.
But that is going to be a very long re-build.
And you are right, they do not have the right GM for that (or, if he should even be a GM). That being said, I am pretty sure ownership forced the Karlsson trade (And a few other decisions).
-
-
They had a good run there for a long time, and passing the torch from Lemieux to Crosby (and Malkin) just gave them even more success.
But that is going to be a very long re-build.
And you are right, they do not have the right GM for that (or, if he should even be a GM). That being said, I am pretty sure ownership forced the Karlsson trade (And a few other decisions).
you hate to see it.
*loves to see it*
-
Pens are in trouble. no prospects, old vets with huge contracts, a GM not sure anyone should trust….
poor Sidyeah, as much as he allegedly wants to be a penguin for life, I really don’t see a point for Crosby to stay there, wtf.
and apparently Mario Lemieux wants to be part of the ownership again, he’ll probably be hoping that the team crumbles until they draft their next generational player…
-
-
-
-
that’d be cool lol
I still think he’ll end up in COLColorado is gonna have to dump some salary if they want to make such a move…
-
Pat’s deep thoughts included:
Colorado is gonna have to dump some salary if they want to make such a move…
That Nichushkin contract looks like an anchor ($6.5M til 2029/30)… the guy produces, when he is not injured or out for long periods dues to other reasons (which seems like every season).
They also just signed Nelson to a 3 x $7.5M contract to be their #2C.
And if Landeskog is really back, that is another $7M they did not have to worry about the last few years.
I just do not see how they make it work, plus fill in other holes in their lineup.
Never say never, but this seems unlikely.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
when is school over for you again?
it’s still on here. buses everywhere. i do enjoy the 2 month break from the goddamn buses in my way every morning. make those kids walk. or catapult them to school or something.
-
-
-
My kids are done school on Thursday.
i didn’t know you had kids. please tell them i was only joking about the catapult thing.
-
-
-
when is school over for you again?
it’s still on here. buses everywhere. i do enjoy the 2 month break from the goddamn buses in my way every morning. make those kids walk. or catapult them to school or something.
Exams end tomorrow, then there are ped days for the next week and a half. Luckily I have banked days off
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fido is right, Malkin is done, at least I would not go there.
Dobes would be my back up, I fail to see why he would not start in mtl.Im not saying I would be against Dobson, but I dont think they need a top 4 defenseman to replace Savard. If not Reinbacher, I would expect them to add a number 5 or 6 defenseman. They have been linked to Nicolas Hague (I know, another leftie, but Wifi is barely an NHL defenseman).
Dach could bounce back next season on the wing, but he has to stay healthy. If Josh Anderson can help this team, Dach might be able to do it as well if he is willing to change his role with this team. Slaf is another guy who has to play big on this team.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
@ Pat : On Dobson, they could try to get him with an offer sheet. He will be an RFA. Would that work? I have no idea, but a team may try to do just that.
About Wifi, yes, he is still young but if they want to get better on the blue line next season, they may want to get better on their bottom 6. They have a pretty much decent top 4 with Ghule, Mahteson, Hutson and Carrier. If you get a guy like Dobson, I think you move Matheson as well. Maybe to get that #2 centre?
The number #2 centre would be my main focus this summer, thats for sure. They may want to move away from Laine and add another top 6 winger as well, but I think at least one of Dach, Laine or Newhook is on mtl top 6 next season.
At some point I did not think Crosby could happen but now, I dont know. Hopefully they dont trade Hague or Reinbacher to get him, but I think you are looking at mtl pick number 16 and 17 in 2025 and another piece (Mailloux?).
-
A dead chicken say what?
The number #2 centre would be my main focus this summer, thats for sure. They may want to move away from Laine and add another top 6 winger as well, but I think at least one of Dach, Laine or Newhook is on mtl top 6 next season.
There are really no good long-term #2 center fits out there, as of right now.
That is why I think they find a mid-level temp player til something better comes along, nail down their top 4 D with a trade for a RHD (some out there on the market), and then leverage their surplus of D prospects down the road for help on the second line.
Build a surplus of strength from which you can deal for something you really want down the road, when available.
They are not winning the cup next year, but should be improved regardless.
That is how I see it, at least.
-
-
-
@Fido : I would go with Evans and Beck on the bottom 6. Beck has to play in the NHL at some point. If not, trade him.
Hague is coming up in a few seasons. Im sad to say this, but dont be surprise if they go with Dach or Newhook as the 2nd C to start the season. That or they will get a guy everybody will bitch about.
-
-
Symba, with an air of shock and revulsion, replied:
Mash is a blogger now? wtf
No, I am not a blogger.
Just started a new thread, given Hugo is away for a bit and wanted to see what people thought the Habs will do in the next few weeks.
Threw down my thoughts / ideas to start off the convo, which surprisingly lasted 3 pages (granted, shorter then HB pages, but still…)
-
Fido is right, Malkin is done, at least I would not go there.
Dobes would be my back up, I fail to see why he would not start in mtl.Im not saying I would be against Dobson, but I dont think they need a top 4 defenseman to replace Savard. If not Reinbacher, I would expect them to add a number 5 or 6 defenseman. They have been linked to Nicolas Hague (I know, another leftie, but Wifi is barely an NHL defenseman).
Dach could bounce back next season on the wing, but he has to stay healthy. If Josh Anderson can help this team, Dach might be able to do it as well if he is willing to change his role with this team. Slaf is another guy who has to play big on this team.
yeah, they don’t need Dobson, but adding him would be a significant improvement on the backend, although I doubt Mathieu Darche will want to trade away a talented and still young defenseman.
as for Xhekaj, he may not be top 4 material but he’s definitely an NHL defenseman imho, his learning curve is pretty normal considering the role he’s asked to play…
-
I guess the habs could offer-sheet Dobson, but I’m not sure Hughes would be willing to pay up, since the salary would be around 10M per, and it would also cost something like 2 firsts, a second and a third round pick… (still might be worth it though…).
hopefully they’ll be able to adress that damn 2nd line center position, and if they do manage to get Crosby I agree it shouldn’t be for high end prospects since Sid doesn’t have a whole lot of good years left in front of him.
Malk-in..? more like Malk-out lolololzzz -
-
-
-
Hutson just won the Calder playing as a RD, sure adding another RD to replace Savard wouldn’t hurt but it’s not absolutely necessary either. they could very well decide to start with Mailloux or Reinbacher on the 3rd pairing and see how it goes. they will always be able to trade for a vet if needed during the season or at the tdl.
the main objective is to find a #2C, and maybe a #3C too. -
-
-
yeah, that could be an option (Evans #3C and Beck #4C)
but they cannot start with Dack and/or Newhook as their #2C (or their #3C for that matter). THAT is not an option. not if they are serious about improving the team. they have plenty of assets to get their man, we should know in a few weeks. -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
dude, they’re brothers lolll…
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I’d settle for Rasmus Anderson… and they can keep Huberdeau.
yeah, just looked at that contract again, it’s already pretty bad and it isn’t going to get better lol
-
-
-
-
-
in the last 6 years Corey Perry was in the cup final for 5 of them, without winning once… tabarnak loll
-
Pat made an interesting observation:
in the last 6 years Corey Perry was in the cup final for 5 of them, without winning once… tabarnak loll
Reminds me of Hossa.
He was traded to the the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008, who lost in the finals to the Red Wings.
The next year, he signed as a free Agent with the Wings, who then lost in the final to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
I think he ended up winning 2-3 cups with the Hawks later on, but that free agency / swap teams / “if you cannot beat them, join them” mentality to win a cup and failed, always cracked me up.
Also, good on Perry. He has played a lot of hockey at the end of his career still chasing another cup.
-
-
quiet day. i think maybe we should start a party or something.
also, it’s our first heat advisory. ????????️♨️????????
-
-
-
alright, time to for serious business. assuming Bennett will remain in FLA or will be too expensive, my #1 target is Larkin in DET. GO HUGO GO!
-
Fido pondered:
alright, time to for serious business. assuming Bennett will remain in FLA or will be too expensive, my #1 target is Larkin in DET. GO HUGO GO!
He has a full NTC.
I am just not sure there is a top 2 center available out there (potentially willing to waive to go to the Habs), or a developing younger player that does not carry significant risk (turn into another Dach / Newhook scenario).
Gonna be interesting to see what they actually do, but I am not sure how much magic Hugues and Gorton have in them to make something like Larkin happen.
-
-
-
-
ah, I see.
management in Detroit hasn’t been all that great, their rebuild definitely isn’t going according to plan so this might be a good opportunity to take advantage of their incompetence loll
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bill has to manually add them to the forums, it’s one of the things I suggested they try making automatic.
Also: Great blog/thread/very long comment Mashadar!
i’m a little confused about why there are 2 different places to leave comments anyway. would it maybe be better if they streamlined it into one place for comments on each blog? maybe it’s something they’re already working on changing. or i might just be misunderstanding why it’s set up like that.
-
Kick emphatically stated:
i’m a little confused about why there are 2 different places to leave comments anyway. would it maybe be better if they streamlined it into one place for comments on each blog? maybe it’s something they’re already working on changing. or i might just be misunderstanding why it’s set up like that.
I think you are playing in Pat’s sandbox….
EDIT: Need to carry over the small jokes, just getting them started.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.