I wouldn't OS Laf that high if you do OS him don't go over 4.5 on a 2 year deal. I think anything over 3 on a short term deal makes it hard for the Rags to match since he will likely be overpaid for the entire contract.

That would be matched. In order to make it worth the potential retaliation, you need a sure thing. He's only underperforming because he's playing in an organization full of meatheads. Under Marty he'll be Huberdeau.

Ya the habs wouldnt be interested in doing something that aggressively stupid.

There isnt a deal that makes sense for both sides. The habs arent giving up a top pick for him and Rangers are too deep in the sunk cost fallacy to accept his actual trade value

I don't disagree, I just wouldn't invest 6.5 x 5 for Laf when a 1 year OS on PLD could cost the same

Lol stop with this. This website, twitter, etc, are not representative of the thinking in NHL organizations. He's 1OA with elite production at every level except with NYR. There are several reasons why this players situation is exceptional and it doesn't take much mental energy to figure it out, and they have been presented in hockey media ad nauseam.

Besides, this isn't an intellectual decision for the Habs. Purely emotional. They NEED their boy.

Its definitely not intellectual because if it was ypu would know the habs have made exactly 1 trade over the last 20 years where they net gained more francophone players. The habs dont need their boy historically the DONT want him