Next year My take

No shot Hampus Lindholm moves for that. Severely over stating the Value Jonathan Drouin has league wide.

what do I need to add. and please don't say caufield, KK, or suzuki.

Idk you have to give to get. If you aren't willing to pay top talent prices, you're not going to get top talent. I personally think Hampus Lindholm is a bit overrated, but I think the general consensus in the larger hockey world would say he's not available if it's not a major return. I think the ask is way more than this, and I doubt Anaheim has much interest in a deal centered around Drouin.

fair enough. if lindholm was 22, id trade kk, but he is 27 going 28

I don't know, but to me, if you're the Habs and you think your window is now (which based on the roster composition it is), I think you have to go for it. Losing a guy like Kotkaniemi might hurt long term, but he's probably another season or two away at least from growing into that bonafide top 2 C he was drafted to be, if he gets there at all. I think you can replace what he is now I'm that lineup relatively easily, and I think that you can accept that the value of what he might become, can get you an impact player who can put them in that next level. Maybe you don't think Hampus Lindholm is that guy, but I think if the Habs are every going to fully commit to going for it instead of being stuck in 10 years of limbo, Kotkaniemi has to be on the table.