Deadline and beyond

Team: 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 28, 2024

Published: Jan. 28, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

NOTE: Not expecting all these moves or exactly as proposed.
Approximating in order to show a picture.

I want to send Monahan to NY if they can produce a competitive enough offer. We may not maximize value sending him there, but I believe it is a win for everyone. We're looking for a 1st, but I'm sending back a 3rd as a way to show we *may* accept a little less for the *right* move.

Allen for minimum return is preferable to a higher return but at the cost of a retention slot.

I don't see us trading both Matheson and Savard this year.
Ideally we move one this year and one the next.
Harris should be moved this off-season as well but I've kept him on the roster for now until some teams with expiring LHD have a need at the position for next season.

I'm putting Gallagher on notice. His future with the team is uncertain unless he can play a simple and clean game moving forward. He doesn't have the wheels, gas, or moves to play the entire rink.
Good outlets, get pucks deep into the attacking zone, go to the front of the net. Do anything else and you are benched/scratched. (That sounds harsher than intended, just making a point.)

Armia is out (via buyout). Effort level is not, nor has it ever been, consistent. We're better off with the roster spot, but he doesn't deserve to be in the AHL. He simply needs a cheaper contract to reflect his flaws. A buyout gives him the opportunity to sign one elsewhere, hopefully allowing an amicable parting.

Anderson is being given linemates more likely to suit a straight forward style of play. He's in the same boat as Gallagher, being unable to adapt to a more dynamic style, but gets a little more leeway because he still has the speed and strength to be more effective. This will be his last opportunity to show he can at least have a positive impact in a lesser role.

I've left Dvorak on IR because his place depends on whether he is healthy and will be limited regardless. He can swap in for Faksa assuming that trade doesn't happen and fight for playing time otherwise. I'm not elevating him to showcase him for a trade. We are trying to compete (however unlikely) and he's going to have to earn his place for perhaps the first time since coming to Montreal.

Roy has been chosen as being a potential top 6 contributor able to blend in with others as a complimentary winger.
Heineman has been selected for his two-way potential and to prove his basics are sound at the NHL level.
Either player could be swapped if another prospect shows more break out potential.

Hutson is getting a trial regardless. Whether there is a place on the blue line or he needs a development year in the AHL, will be up to his performance.

The kid gloves are off for the blue liners with some experience to show steady progression. They don't yet need to be perfect, but they do need to be better. Without the vets around to eat minutes, we will see who is capable of stepping up.
I'm starting Mailloux and Reinbacher in the AHL for that reason.
The remainder should at least begin next season with the fundamentals and prove they have put in the work required by the staff to be more reliable and effective. They aren't simply developing, but also working on consistency, as there is going to be pressure to keep their spots.
(Side note: I don't like Xhekaj on the right side, but we're going to shelter that 3rd pair anyway. If Hutson does need AHL time, Mailloux will come up and Hutson will develop alongside Reinbacher in the AHL for now.)

Note: Taxi squad players are considered "on deck" for next callups.

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