-Chych trade feels almost there - I think adding another 2nd rounder would make it happen. Three strong assets in a young, NHL-ready LHD, a young, NHL-ready C with top-6 upside, and the 1st would be pretty damn close to ZIto's supposed ask, and giving them another strong asset like that 2nd rounder would put it over the top.

-I don't hate the value here but I'd actually say this might not be that great for the Habs - Mantha is a decent player, but adding him to a team with Josh Anderson & Juraj Slafkovksy (or what you assume Slaf develops into) feels like going all-in on the power forward type when the game is shifting more towards speed and skill. It's not awful, but I'd hesitate on Montreal's end for this.

The only other thing that catches my eye is the Tatar signing - he's been very good (10-17-27 in 44 GP) for the Devils this year, I can't see him taking that kind of deal this offseason. Nick Jensen might be coming in a little light, too, but I could at least see the logic in him giving a hometown discount to his current team.

Habs would decline that trade they arent going to be taking on players that old unless they get paid to. A futures based Edmunson trade is what they want

Montreal isn't looking for hockey trades and especially not wingers at the moment. Mantha in particular would suffer in the Montreal market much like Drouin has

yes to all of these. my guess is you would have to split the tatar money between strome, milano, and jensen but not that big a deal

Where's Orlov? I don't think the Caps would let him just go, he's too valuable.

Montreal easily declines. We do not need another middle 6 winger. Much rather kick the can down the road and get a 1st +.

He will be 32 yo … I wouldn’t resign him
But they probably will

Maybe take out Tatar, move Strome on the 2LW and Hendrix Lapierre takes the 3C duties

So? He's having another strong season and doesn't look like he's gonna decline in the near future. He's one of the most consistent dmen in the league and plays good in every situation whether it's 5v5, PP, PK or 3v3. It's absolutely reckless to let him go.

What do you think his contract will look like ?
Probably above what Leddy & Chiarot got so 4-5 years over 5M ?

My thought has been around 4 years at 5 million as I believe he may take a discount to keep his defensive partner in town (and the Ovi/Russian effect can't hurt). Could also see something around 4x5.5 if he does not want to take a discount.