COACHING
I would like to see some changes to the coaching staff. Hughes and Gorton have created a strong organizational culture centred around growth. As a result, they are willing to take chances on inexperienced candidates (Hughes is a perfect example). One person who has never been shy about his interest, and has the credentials to join (or should I say return to) the Habs is Tomas Plekanec. He has previously discussed the idea and is very open to it, and would be a fantastic mentor for the young centres on the team. He would take over Trevor Letowski's position as assistant coach. The other assistant coach position that has become vacant since the departure of Luke Richardson could definitely be given to a variety of candidates, but the Habs should seriously consider bringing in Rick Bowness, if he is interested. Having already served as an assistant coach under Jon Cooper, Bowness would bring a level of experience to a young team and coaching staff. An interesting candidate for the associate coach role that is also vacant is Andrew Brunette. If no team hires him as their head coach, would he potentially be interested in joining a young and exciting team? He could, with Bowness, bring experience to the team and the coaching staff.
DRAFT (FIRST ROUND ONLY)
1. Shane Wright - The best player available in the draft, without a doubt. He checks many boxes for the team, and creates an exciting one-two punch down the middle for the Habs for years to come.
18. Rutger McGroaty - McGroaty fits the style of play that the organization is trying to build. He is strong, fast, and skilled centre who also brings a level of leadership. The other possibility is Ryan Chesley, a right-handed shot defenseman who plays a similar game to Kaiden Guhle.
26. Ivan Miroshnichenko - Debatably, the Habs might need to take him with the earlier pick. He is easily a top-10 talent, with very similar skills as Slafkovsky. Depending on how other teams see him, he may go earlier, but if he is still available, he should be a no-brainer.
NOTABLE SIGNINGS
- Alex Romanov has already said that he loves to play in Montreal and wants to stay here. If he is happy to stay here, why not give him a long-term contract? He has been consistently improving and shows a serious love for the game. He is sure to become a pillar on the Habs defense for a long time to come, and getting some value on him would be wise.
- Rem Pitlick was a welcomed surprise this year, and the Habs should reward him. However, in order to get a longer term contract, he still needs to prove himself and maybe even earn a bigger contract. If he continues to play at this level, the Habs should be comfortable offering him a 4 or 5 year deal at 2.5 - 4 mil AAV.
- Although it is risky, the Habs should lock up Puljujarvi long-term, like they did with Josh Anderson. His raw skill-set is enough to make Hughes and Gorton salivate, and with the right coaching, he could seriously blossom like Nichushkin did with Colorado. He could be a major piece to the rebuild.
Petry is inevitably going to get moved, and Dallas might be the ideal candidate. For Petry, this makes a lot of sense. He gets to join a contending team that can offer him a top role, while also allowing his wife to be close to home. For the Habs, they should make a serious push to acquire Dallas' first-round pick in this year's draft. In a scrambled draft, it is possible that a top-10 talent slips into their hands. Even if it means taking on Khudobin's contract and giving up a pick, the Habs should be willing to move assets to draft a third high-level prospect.
Colorado is entering a cap crunch this summer, and is probably looking to save money where possible. As a result, they may be looking to move EJ's contract. Although he was a good contributor to their run, his 6 mil contract could be used in more efficient ways, such as re-signing Lehkonen and Nichushkin. Colorado won't be able to pay Kadri, and are looking for a 2C to replace him. Although Dvorak won't be a PPG player, he is a very effective defensive forward, who could play against other teams' top line. He is also a good face-off man and penalty killer, and could come cheap if the Habs are willing to retain money. Although he didn't have a great year, he is still a good addition at 3 mil with term on his contract.
Minnesota is also entering a major cap crunch, and is probably going to have to move Kevin Fiala. Although Drouin doesn't provide nearly as much, when healthy, he can be a very good playmaker who can play in any team's top 6. Minnesota will need cheap players, and at 2.75 mil for a mid-round pick, Drouin is almost a bargain.
If Nashville loses Filip Forsberg, they may need to bring in a skilled forward to play in the top 6. Like Drouin, Dadonov won't be the dynamic player that Forsberg is, but he can be a useful piece to playoff team, such as Nashville. The Habs can take back Myers, who would be immediately bought out, and a couple of draft picks.
Mike Hoffman sucks and the Habs need to get rid of him, no matter what the cost is. Seattle has the cap space to take him on, and is looking to fill up their prospect pool. The Habs have a plethora of picks that can be utilized to (hopefully) delete 68 from their team's history.
The Oilers need a goalie, and Jake Allen could be the best value option to tandem with Smith. He is a proven goalie who has experience as a starter, a tandem goalie, and a backup. He also has cup experience, which could help the Oilers in their hunt for the cup. His contract is extremely affordable, and gives the Oilers cap flexibility. The Habs would pair him with a mid-round pick to acquire Jesse Puljujarvi. Puljujarvi could be a great fit with the fast and skilled team that the Habs are trying to build. His two-way game is also enticing to Hughes and Gorton, which could lead them to pull the trigger.
You think Dadonov keeps NSH a playoff team after they lose Forsberg? I'm not seeing it... and I don't see them trading a 3rd for Dadonov when they could find that production in FA and keep their pick.
I understand the thought of the avs trade but i don't see the avs burning a first to move johnson. He wasn't a negative asset this season, he played 3rd pairing minuntes for a lot of the time and put up 8 goals and 25 points. with one year left on his deal and then his money goes straight across to mack pretty much i think he's probily safe this season.
I understand the thought of the avs trade but i don't see the avs burning a first to move johnson. He wasn't a negative asset this season, he played 3rd pairing minuntes for a lot of the time and put up 8 goals and 25 points. with one year left on his deal and then his money goes straight across to mack pretty much i think he's probily safe this season.
I don't think I only consider the first compensation for taking on EJ's contract. It's also the price for Dvorak. It's been reported that if the Habs move him they can expect to get a late first in return. I retained on Dvorak and added EJ to help Colorado out, but that's not where the first is getting burned. It's really to acquire the 2C or 3C for 3 mil.
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