Team: 2021-22 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 13, 2021

Published: Jan. 13, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Trying to find different ways that Habs can continue to be competitive during the next few years of still having Weber & Price still at or near their prime ability. I think if we can leave Drouin unprotected for the expansion draft, Seattle might be inclined to take a relatively young winger with term that could maybe use a fresh start away from Montreal. With the salary saved from losing Drouin, we re-up with Tatar for four more years. Although Tuna is older, he's completed his best two offensive seasons of his career. He's also a lot more involved on the ice than Drouin has been up to this point. I'd rather keep Tatar, even if that means losing Drouin. I just don't see any team trading for Drouin and giving more than fourth round pick at the moment. Now, if Drouin has a great season this year, maybe this move is not made or at least his trade value increases. Time will tell....

Moving Bryon out so that money can be used to keep Armia. The Devils can decide if they want to protect Byron for the expansion draft or expose him. They get a 3 rd pick for their trouble and only cost them a 5th. I love Byron but I think Armia brings the same things that Ti-Paul brings but is 7 inches taller and 50 lbs heavier! It would maintain MB desire to be a tough physical team to play against. Armia is also younger obviously, which helps his cause.

Didn't sign every minor leaguer but goes without saying that several of the Laval guys would be resigned.

I trade Chariot in the hopes we can get a 2nd round pick from someone in return. I think Detroit would be a good trade partner for Chariot. They only have one D signed for 2021-22 season. Chariot could provide leadership and stability to that blueline. Plus, Detroit has 3 second round picks in 2021.

I know some would criticize exposing Drouin and trading Chariot but at this point in time, I firmly believe Chariot's trade value is higher than Drouin's. This season could certainly shift that perception (or at least mine).

Finally, I signed Saad to provide depth scoring on our third line. I think the history MB has from being in Chicago (also think MB was involved with drafting Saad) makes him a candidat to sign in MTL. Maybe by offering four year term, we could get him on the cheap. Kinda like we did with Toffoli this off-season. Who knows.

The one signing that I think you guys will disagree with (as far as dollar amount) is for KK. Some of you will say that $2.25M is too low on a bridge deal. Again, this will be another player who's season will determine what happens next. Of course, MTL will keep KK but an offensive outburst for him this year could force MB to go higher on the bridge deal. However, a mediocre season and MB doesn't feel the pressure to go as high on the deal. And let's be real for a second, KK's season last year was pretty pathetic imo! Sure, he did great in the playoffs but that was 10 games. He'll need that intensity all year long if he wants to become a true NHL'er. Just my two cents...

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