Quoting: Lochness1202
This doesn’t really help Montreal even if value is decent. We still carry 2.25M on cap for 2 years minus Lafferty. So realistically it’s only clearing around 1M, and we are take on another roster player at forward which we don’t need. We need to clear roster spots up front.
Two of the main objectives in any habs trade is either A) clearing cap space B) open roster spots for younger players.
This doesn’t really accomplish A and definitely doesn’t accomplish B
Really good point, I think opening up spots for youngsters is key to find some diamonds in the rough. However, this deal does open up a T6 spot with Dvorak gone, and MTL should weaponize the cap to maximize returns. With Lafferty, he can play a B6 role and could bring value back at the TDL as some cap strapped team may overpay a bit for cheap depth especially w/some retention maximizing you return, OR you immediately flip him with some retention. Most rebuilding teams WOULD do this, but with guys like Anderson, Monahan, Gallagher, and Armia already taking up spots, would rather open the spot.
At the end of the day, I agree with you, I'd probably elect to opening the roster spot for guys like Ylonen, Heinemen as you never know what you'll find, we saw RPH last season with him finally getting opportunity.