We all know this is inevitable

Dvorak in this trade will allow Montreal to slot Dubois in as their 2C and give freedom to Dach to play on the top line. Mesar isn’t bad but he will never be anything more than bottom 6 player.

Devils need some bite and physicality in their bottom 6. I’d imagine they’d have interest in Josh Anderson. Sharangovich is a safe bet to be in the trade as Anderson would be replacing him in the lineup anyways, and he could use a change of scenery.

I know he’s a league anomaly, but the trade rumours he’s been in over the last 2 years have shown he’s got high trade value even though his contract isn’t that great. Montreal can’t move Gallagher for cap room without paying so trading Anderson will give them cap space and they’ll get a nice return.

Jokiharju is a good bet for Montreal, as he still has some breakout potential, and Edmundson is a good fit for Buffalo, as he can help mentor someone like Owen Power and the rest of the young team, while also providing some defensive stability Buffalo lacks.

Edmundson gives me the same sort of vibes that Chiarot did a few years back, good leader who plays a physical game. Even though he’s not much more than a 4/5 defensemen on a cup winner, he’ll be high in demand because what he brings is rare in the league, just like Chiarot.

Take a bet on a player who needs a shot in the top 6, and can be signed for cheap. If Laf is going to break out anywhere, it’ll be in his hometown.

This is a lot to give up, but none of these assets will ever equate to what Lafreniere could be if he breaks out.