I think the habs wpuld much rather roll the dice with their top 15 pick than a 24 year old who hasnt put it all together

I'm gonna have to disagree personally. Bouchard now has 2 seasons of development under his belt with playoff experience. He's still 23, not 24 until October. He is likely just about to open his "prime window" soon and still has room to grow with the rest of the young roster. Whoever we draft at 15 won't be ready to see the NHL for at least a season, let alone be effective in the league, and Bouchard would immediately plug an organizational hole at RD.

He will be 24 before the 1st month into playing games for the habs.

Plugging a hole and fixing a hole are two VASTLY different things. He doesnt fix the hole.

He also will be off his elc and likely want to get paid. In a couple years thats the difference between having a good 20 year old on their elc vs a 26 year old with a cap hit thats 5-7 times more expensive.

You only trade that pick for a bonafode top pair rd and Bouchard isnt that

We essentially gave up the same in value last year for Dach, who also isn't really a bona fide anything either. Very good player but not a bona fide fix for 2C (what he was brought here for).

Our difference here is where we value Bouchard, I see more in him than you do I guess. Bouchard, Barron, Mailloux (if/when allowed) on the right side for the foreseeable future looks like a pretty good trio imo.

A 3rd for Bouchard? plus Edmonton trades a 3rd?

Keep going, you'll be able to read the rest of the trade if you sound it out.

Hawks decline. They can get a better deal for Murphy.

Moving up 7 spots in draft. Murphy for a third might not be a bad idea to give a spot for a younger Dman. Would give TB's second round for sure instead of the 1st.