No thanks on the EDM deal. Why would the Habs -- a speed team -- have any interest in Lucic? It might be the worst fit of any team in the NHL, even if Julien knows all his buttons to push.

Pretty sure CAR says "wait, you want a #5 overall who's pretty good, a #7 overall who's NHL ready AND a third-round pick FOR two good (not great wingers), an unproven goalie and two seconds?!!!" ... click.

The FLA deal is too cluttered to be realistic. How often do you see 5-for-3 deals? There's a reason: contracts.

I think Julien would say yes please to this deal and Habs made a huge offer to Lucic when he was UFA 2 years ago. Their identity didn't changed since. Identity is not about having 12 similar forwards. Personally, I thin EDM might say no but might be open if they move Russell. Its a trade of bad contracts.

In 5 seasons, Lindholm never had more than 45 points, despite playing over 18 minutes per game over the last 2 seasons. That's not very good. His value is dropping every year. They have Martin Necas, one of the best prospects in the league, who will most likely be better offensively than Lindholm and whos ready for NHL jump. He will take his spot. Also with Svechnikov coming, they have good offensive weapons. Byron is a 20 goals scorer and one of the most dangerous players in the league on the PK and almost as productive as Lindholm while playing less. Lindholm never scored 20 goals. You could replace Lekhonen by Scherbak, but I think Lekhonen is a better fit for CAR. Even if he has been disappointed so far, I think scouts see his potential.

As for Fleury, everyone knows that he will never become the top 10 pick he was. Even his last year in junior was disappointed. And they have Jake Bean ready to replace him as a 3rd pair LHD with a way better offensive instinct. I don't know their opinion on Lindgren, but I think having a young NHL ready G with potential is a good idea when your number 1 is not an established number 1. And Habs second rounder is almost a 1st rounder (34th overall), which has a lot of value during draft period.

It's true that you don't see a lot of 5 vs 3 trades, but it doesn't mean it's also impossible. We are talking about desperate teams to make the playoffs. Habs and CAR are 2 of the most desperate teams out there.

And for the record, these are not trades I think Bergevin will do. Hes in love with Andrew Shaw and can't admit that Alzner contract was as bad as you can get. He doesn't seem like a GM who admits his mistakes easily.


Have a nice day

The Florida trade would need a pick going to MTL with that package. Bjugstad is maybe a 2C, Hepoinem is a second round pick that may or not make it the NHL, Malgin looks like he might be an NHLer one day but still needs time in the AHL. All that is basically hopes and dreams for MTL, while Florida gets established reliable players who will step in and produce. In Pacioretty’s case produce at an elite level, for MTL to take those risks would need another piece, 15th overall would do.

I think Habs pay a steep price, but Heponiemi is the key. He is ranked as 16th best drafted prospects in the NHL. Borgstrom is ranked 15th... He was stellar last year even if he was a second rounder, probably because of his frame, I think he will be an offensive weapon. But whatever happens, I think FLA have the pieces to get Pacioretty even if they don't want to give Borgstrom, as Tallon said a few months ago.