Realistic Offseason

*Conditional 2023 2nd round pick (NSH)*: If the Predators reach the Western Conference Finals with Petry on the roster, the pick becomes the 2023 1st round pick (NSH).

Petry's departure from Montreal is imminent, and Nashville could be an ideal trade partner if they believe that they are in a position to contend. Petry would immediately slot into the top 4 alongside Josi or Ekholm, and would give Dante Fabbro time to ease his way into the top RD spot. In exchange, the Habs would get a good prospect, a good pick, and would absorb Myers' contract for a year.

*2023 1st round pick (COL) is top 10 protected*

Colorado will be entering a cap crunch this offseason, and one of the casualties will most likely be Kadri. As a result, the Avs could be looking for a 2C. Although Dvorak had a tough year in Montreal, his game would fit nicely with a team such as Colorado. He could play big minutes in the playoffs, shutting down other teams' top lines, much like Danault did for Montreal last season. In return, Montreal would get a late first round pick to add to an impressive amount of draft picks, as well as Erik Johnson. Despite his value to the team, the Avalanche could probably use the money being allocated to Johnson to re-sign more important players. With the Habs, Johnson could be a very important mentor for some of the younger defenseman on the team, such as Harris, Romanov, and Barron.

The Wild are another team entering a major cap crunch, and they are unlikely to be able to afford Kevin Fiala this summer. Although Drouin is nowhere near the level of Fiala right now, a change of scenery could lead to a rejuvenation of his career. This is a low-risk move for the Wild, as they get a talented player on an affordable contract for a late-round pick. For Montreal, only year of contract retention is worth mutually moving on from Montreal.