Lowry because Danault is at least a 2C

EDIT: But I guess in this scenario if it’s two seasons from now, I’ll take Danault easy

That’s why they play the games, right?

They have the same role, call it what you want.

Don't need both Merrill and Gustaffsson, don't need Staal and Perry gets a raise. If the Habs don't pay him another team will, just look at what he's done.
They've shown they don't need Drouin so he should be moved for another LW.
Habs lose Allen or Chiarot and a pick ( as comp for taking him) to Seattle so the team would look a bit different still.

Marc Bergevin’s m.o. is you can never have too many NHL level D. It would not surprise me if he signs both.
Staal has been excellent in the playoffs in limited minutes.
If Perry wants more money, he can have more money. My guess is he’s like Spezza at this point and just wants the best chance to win.
I’m not going to speculate on the Drouin situation, I just wish him well and want him to know that’s he appreciated by fans who understand and value mental health.
Habs want to keep both Allen and Chiarot if possible. The expansion draft will definitely be interesting.

D at that price are a dime a dozen, but for the Habs they need to be quicker and more mobile.
A resigned Danault takes over for Staal.
There are many trains of thought on Drouin and what is going on. I'm more thinking of the player when I say he should move on, the pressure of being a Quebec born supposed star player playing in Montreal is as tough as it gets. It would be a good move for both parties involved. That being said the Habs need another good LW.
Perry's work in the 1st round speaks for itself, worth more than Staal so a minor pay raise is acceptable.
I agree with the expansion idea, should be fun to see what Seattle looks like.

7th and 8th D can have a different profile than your starting 6. Also, Gustafsson is quite mobile when you get down to analyzing his play.
It’s not inconceivable that Staal would be comfortable being our 13th forward. Injuries happen to > 1/12 of our forwards quite often over the course of an 82 game season, and it’s easy to see from his play against Toronto that he’s still quite effective in playoff hockey with limited minutes.
Plus, Danault agreeing to sign the contract Bergevin offers him is by no means a guarantee. I hope he does though.
That’s possible for Drouin, I’m not going to speculate on it though. If that’s what he and Berg decide, I’ll trust that it was the best for both sides. But I’d also be happy to welcome him back as well though if that’s what both sides think is best. At his best, he can absolutely be a valuable part of this team. I’m not ruling out hope of seeing him against Winnipeg. And if that’s the case, I hope the team puts mental health in the media’s focus the same way Naomi Osaka is doing.
If Perry wants more, he gets more, I completely agree with you re: having proven his worth.