If it's not to relieve cap, why would Chicago do this?

Um, because Montreal needs a first line center and Bergevin is a wizard, obviously!

Hahaha

??‍♂️??‍♂️??‍♂️???

I get why Montreal would do this. Bergevin being is wizard isn't enough. Adding in the #3 overall and taking back Seabrook, that might be what's needed.

Toews' 21 goals were the lowest number in his career in 16-17. Then this year he beat it with 20. He's still a model of consistency, until he falls below that line, and is consistently a former 20 goal center earning $10.5M but backchecking really, really well, and filling a lot of minutes.

I think it's a sucker bet for Montreal, personally. Alzner brings more defense. Pacioretty brings more goals. Lehkonen will be the only one still playing for either team in five years, and he'll be really good. The pick and prospect Chicago get at the '19 deadline will be as good as the ones Montreal eventually get for Toews, and the points they score in the years in between will not get either team to a Cup, so Chicago should make this deal out of realism, although it's possible Montreal should accept it out of showmanship, and even slightly possible Chicago should pass on it if it's offered, out of showmanship, because casual fans might not know the team's record, but they know Toews won Cups.

I wasn't suggesting I'd make the trade, just that I get why Montreal would consider it. If the Habs brass feels that it has a window of opportunity with Price and Weber, Toews for Pacioretty would be a good change in the chemistry. (I like Alzner and Lehkonen, but they're replaceable)