Montreal Leverage on Winnipeg for Dubois

Team: 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 26, 2023

Published: Mar. 27, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

How little would Montreal need to give up to get Dubois? The leverage would seem to tilt heavily toward Montreal so it’s likely Montreal would give up well below market value for Dubois.

First of all, Montreal has far too many forwards, so an active roster player would definitely be part of the trade. Jets fans will not like this but Dvorak would likely go the other way. Dvorak is a two-way centre and can help fill the void from the loss of Dubois. It would also include a prospect, I would personally include Filip Mesar. Additionally, I’d include Calgary’s 1st round pick in 2025 but I could be convinced to move Florida’s pick as long as it is not a lottery pick.

***Montreal isn’t in any rush to acquire Dubois. They know that if they wanted him in 2024, they will have him. But, if Winnipeg doesn’t make a move, they’ll lose him for nothing. This trade is meant to be lopsided.***

Will Smith would be a good pick at 5th overall should the Habs not win either of the lottery draws. Great playmaking, can finish, and would be a complement to Suzuki. It remains to be seen whether he is an NHL centre or if the acquisition of Dubois shifts either of the to the wing down the road. If he Habs get Dubois and Smith, it would leave Montreal with 4 players in their top-6 that can play centre.

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