I would say there is a higher chance PLD gets traded and signs a long term extension with his new team than going to free agency to play for the Habs next year

Remove Namestnikov
RHP isn't signing that LOL
Leo Carlsson isn't dropping #5, and if that happens, he is starting in MTL
MTL won't buyout anyone IMO

Would you like MTL to sign anyone as a UFA for our top-nine? Just curious on your thoughts
What would be a more realistic contract for RHP, 2x1.5M?
Honestly, more so I just want us to draft whichever one of Michkov/Smith/Carlsson is available

Management announced they plan to compete for a playoff spot. That roster is even worse than last season.

They will make a big move to weaponize their $10M+ capspace: an offersheet for Laffy, a trade deal à la Monahan, getting a FA (Killorn, Mayfield?), etc.

I agree that it is very bad roster, that's what I was trying to go for

Do they really plan on trying to compete? I honestly can't see them finishing higher than 6th in the Atlantic with the likes of TB, Toronto, Florida, Boston, and then Ottawa, Buffalo and Detroit who are all improving...

i like monahan better than namestinkov as he has more upside if he is healthy and is good on faceoffs.. problem with the lineup is hoffman is gone and either Beck or Roy will make then team .. you have to play rookie forwards this year and develop players every year of the rebuild... just give hoffman away and retain salary.

After TB, it's pretty open in the division IMO. Boston need to find 2 top 6 centers, Florida will probably miss the playoffs like most SCF finalists do, Detroit took a step back already, Buffalo still need goaltenders, Ottawa's new management might let them fail to bring in their own people and Toronto's haven't hit rock bottom yet with their UFA's problems.

I'm not sayin MTL is a top 8 team in the East as is, but it's close enough to still be competing in February, IF they can stay freakin healthy AND the rookies aren't victim of a 2nd year setback.

My top 9 for next year is : RHP Suzuki Caufield Slaf Dach Anderson Hoffman Dvorak Gallagher and while at it Evans Armia on the 4th line with Pezzetta & Pitlick fighting for that 4LW spot
RHP will either get 1-2 years deal at or under 1.5M or 4 + years over 1.5M
I agree with your last sentence, just draft the BPA between them, whoever ends up at 5