I think you’re giving up too much for him. MTL would be stupid to turn that down

Right now Anaheim is already a contender, but had some bad injury luck to start the season. With Pacioretty (and if Eaves were back they would be arguably the best all-around team in the leage, just lacking superstar power.

Note to people when teams go all in they end up giving up "too much " cause it's going to take that to get a teams top player on a good contract away you'll be bidding against all the other contenders trying to do the same and he's not just a rental, you might want to add Benn on too Anaheim for a little extra D-depth for your run he's a great cheap #6

Habs would do if offered

Still have cap space and several pieces to trade for John Carlson (yes, Caps are in the playoffs, but he's not re-signing, GM is publicly talking about how hard he's been trying to sign him, and after letting Shattenkirk and Alzner walk last summer, they've got to be tired of giving up the best defensemen in free agency). If you're talking about contending, by getting back into the playoff picture, past Minnesota, San Jose, Chicago, and five game winning streak Colorado. Then, sure, you'll contend. Just have to make the playoffs past three other contenders and a pretty convincing upstart.

Could even make a trade with Chicago, too, who seem to be rebuilding with their last couple moves.

Huge overpay.