Team: 2020-21 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 16, 2020

Published: Jan. 16, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Montreal gets the 3rd overall pick
- They draft the German Tim Stuetzle

Reasoning behind the Gallagher trade.
- Gallagher has been the heart and soul behind the Canadiens for a number of years. This would allow Gallagher to be traded to a team that has the ability to do great things, while being a key player on the 2nd line with Kadri (a pesky energy line if you will).
The Canadiens have been stagnant the last few years, getting very close to playoffs but not succeeding. I believe that Gallagher deserves the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup, and personally I believe Colorado has a much higher chance than Montreal.
- This also sets Montreal up quite well for the future, giving Weber and Chiarot teaching roles for Romanov and Byram respectively. Romanov plays the same game as Weber (Physical, Offensive, Two Way player) and having the guidance of Weber would be highly beneficial in his development.
Moving Gallagher also allows for the rookies to move up the lineup. Caufield can get the opportunity to shine on the 2nd line and Suzuki can do Suzuki things with Domi and Drouin.

The Petry Trade
- Winnipeg is in need of a defenseman and assuming that Buff is done for the year (injuries etc.) then getting a Top 4 D-Man in Petry would help give the team the boost it needs to succeed in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
- Petry could also act as a mentor to Heinola, who is a very promising player on the Jets.

Backes Trade
- Acquiring a late 1st to take back some cap for a year, since Montreal has the space. Also also Poehling more time in the AHL to hone his game to become a middle 6 talent for Montreal in the following season.
This trade would be done during the draft if Boston needed some help. I know that its in-division and would be helping out a rival, but having Backes in the room as a veteran voice would likely be beneficial to the kids.

Domi Contract/Gallagher Contract
- Both players are solid 60 point guys.
- I don't think players that aren't exceeding 80+ points should get contracts in the 8+ mil range (looking at you Johansen/Hayes/to an extent Skinner). The term is also short enough that if Domi hits it big, then he can earn himself a massive payday.

The Domi contract is also team friendly enough that if the rookies play extremely well and Price is back in form, then the Canadiens can afford some trade deadline talent to push for a cup.
Or if the team plays poorly there is enough cap space to trade away Tatar and also take back some contracts to continue to stockpile assets.

C - Weber
A - Byron
A - Chiarot/Backes/Domi (Domi could be the next Captain?)

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