I liked the MTL trade until I saw the 1st rounder swap. With all the other criticism he has taken, I don't think Bergefail can move the #3 pick for anything but a 1C or stud defenseman. Namestnikov can play center but I don't consider him to be a 1C.

Kreider is an interesting trade candidate to EDM but once again I don't think Chia would be able to trade his best defenseman AND #10 pick this year for two upgrades on McJesus/Drai/RNH wing and a fringe D man.

Rest of the trades are effectively cap dumps. I think you may have miscast Panik and Merkley in their roles especially with Lias manning the fourth line.

Your overall strategy here is good though.

That is just not enough for the 3rd overall...

Do you have an example of what is enough for it?

What we need is a 1C and a 1LHD. In your trade youre offering a 2C-3C (what we already have), 2 B prospect and a late first. I think Bergevin would ask for the 9th overall and Skjei or Andersson.

Its really easy actually. Take your best prospect and add a little something on top. That's what the 3rd overall is worth. This applies to just about every team in the league except for a few teams who have an elite prospect that is absolutely untouchable.

So for the Habs to do this, think Andersson+ or Chytil+. (Just for the 3rd overall alone.)