Ok so I was wondering how the Habs can navigate the off-season successfully while keeping with the plan to reset/retool. So I looked at a few options:
Firstly the draft. For the purpose of this exercise, I’m assuming the Habs stay in their current position at 8th overall. With such a stacked draft class, I would probably be happy with any of the players potentially available. But based on our needs prospect-wise, I would like to think a top LW prospect is one of the only ones. That’s where I could see them drafting Lucas Raymond. He’s a great playmaking winger who can also score. I understand he may not be available at 8th overall and if that’s the case I would take one of Rossi, Perfetti, Holtz or Drysdale (though I doubt he’ll be available).
An offer sheet for Sergachev would go a long way to solidifying the left side of our defense. Considering his young age along with his potential and contract length, he fits perfectly into our young core of players and prospects.
I have liked Dylan Strome as a player for a little while and when he was dealt to Chicago, I couldn’t help but think that we missed a shot at solving a big need; a big centerman who can slot into our top 6. Now that I’ve heard the Blackhawks may be shopping him, I figured this is our chance to snatch him. I know we aren’t in need of centermen, especially with Suzuki’s emergence, but I like Strome’s game and I think he can help a lot. Chicago gets a young, mobile defenseman with a cheap contract and solid term to help on the left side. They also get a decent prospect and a 2nd rounder this year. Is this about fair value? Once acquired, we sign him to a 4 year deal worth 4$ million per season.
With the Strome signing, our center depth is strong. So I feel that we may deal a player like Domi. He has the best mix of youth, skill and value that he would make a great trade piece, even though I wouldn’t really want to trade him. I know Dallas has struggled offensively so I figured they would at least inquire about Domi should he become available. I propose a higher end prospect like Robertson and a 1st rounder (either this year or 2021, depending on if this is a draft day trade or not). I also added a 3rd rounder. Robertson will battle for a spot on the roster next season and will probably make it. I just have him listed on a “5th line” but I assume he makes the team. Let me know if the trade is about fair value. The trade comes with an extension of 4 years at 5.75$ million per season for Domi. It can be a sign and trade or a trade and sign with Chicago.
I know it seems odd to replace one center with another but I liked the idea of acquiring Strome and I feel someone would get traded if he was acquired.
I also extended some important AHL pieces (Juulsen, Ouellet, Vejdemo, McNiven). I resign Evans as I feel he is close to staying in the NHL. He will battle for a roster spot and either makes the team or goes back to Laval. I don’t resign Hudon as I heard a rumor that he is garnering interest from the KHL as well as the Swiss-A league.
I signed Romanov and Hillis to their rookie deals. Romanov’s agent indirectly confirmed that he will make his way to North America next season. He is a huge piece of our future and he’ll get his start next season on the 3rd pairing. Hillis had a great season and should be with the Rocket next season.
Lastly, I recognize that a couple of players may not make the final roster due to who’s already on it. But I do think someone may be dealt at some point during the season. I also think Raymond may start in the AHL.
Lastly, I assume that Caufield, Harris and Struble sign their rookie deals at some point during next season or after the season.
Domi is better than Strome... I really doubt Serge would ever accept to come back to MTL after what he said about the organisation during some interviews. And Suzuki is a pure center, putting him on the wing is not a wise use of his potential. Put him on a line with Domi and let Domi take some face offs on the left side etc. I think Id let Raymond play in sweden with Norlinder...
Yeah I’m not on the Strome train. He hasn’t proven enough for me and with our centre depth and the potential of drafting another one this year it’s not a move I’d make. Domi brings an edge that this team needs to have. As long as this team stays healthy and plays hard Domi will be needed and with team success he will play a more simple game and I think will get back to the 70 point Domi.
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