Long term

Team: 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 19, 2022

Published: Jan. 19, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

This is after Kent Hughes first press conference with the Canadiens. He mentioned a few things that should give Habs fans some optimism. He said he wants a team that plays with speed, and possession. He implied that Montreal could be heading for a rebuild, but there are some interesting pieces to build around that he has inherited (Caufeild, Suzuki, Guhle, etc.). Management is aware major changes need to happen for this team to get back on track.

I added Cooley, and Michkov because I think it's very likely that Montreal will be selecting in the top 3 the next few drafts. I selected Jack Hughes (Kent's son) with the Rangers pick as he projects to go late in the first round this year. I focused on drafting forwards because Kent insisted he wants to build an offensive mined team.

I moved Hoffman because I really believe he just doesn't fit in with Montreal, he's a great player but Montreal just isn't the right spot for him. It's unlikely they get much of a return but it's for the better. I moved Lehkonen and Chiarot to the Rangers for Krastov and a First round selection in 2022. This trade makes a lot of sense for both parties as the Rangers were rumored to be interested in both these players. Coming back to Montreal is prospect Vitali Krastov who Jeff Gorton picked in the top 10 of the 2018 draft, along with a late first round selection. This gives the Rangers some depth and grit going into what could be a deep playoff run, and it gives Montreal some assets that will help them build the team their looking for. Toffoli has been great in a Habs sweater, but with the depth on the wing in Montreal he is the most expandable. I think the Habs could get a first round selection and a prospect for him.

I chose not to move some veterans like Price, Petry, Gallagher, and Anderson mainly because of their contracts. Carey Price can play at an elite level, when he's healthy that is. Between Price's health, and contract he has little to no value on the trade market so unless he asks to be traded I would hold on to him. Petry was a good defenseman for years, but lived in the shadow of Shea Weber. His play really fell off a cliff this year as he's recorded just 4 points almost half way through the season. Rather then giving up an asset to have another team take him I think Montreal keeps him and his hefty contract through the rebuild. As far as Anderson and Gallagher go, they just make to much for to long. Both are good middle six guys as Anderson is a streaky powerforward who will get you roughly 25 goals if healthy, but at 5.5 million I don't think he's the most expandable asset. Gallagher is past his prime. Plain and simple. Gallagher is a good shutdown winger that will score you 20 goals while playing against the oppositions best players. While that and his work ethic make him a great middle six guy, teams won't be lining up for him at 6.5 million.

*Caufeild only gets this contract if he pops off*

If you took time to read all this I thank you and would love to hear your opinion, cheers!

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