Honestly it might need to be a first to make that happen with the Joseph contract

I’d rather keep Joseph.

Joseph is a really good player.. it's just sad that money wise rn he doesn't fit in OTT

Which positions MTL has the biggest depth long term: LHD and LW
Which positions MTL have the smallest depth long term: (G), RHD and RW

A mid-2nd isn't going to be enough to weakens 2 positions and take 2 players they don't need.

A 2nd is nice.

Adding Joseph and Brannstrom (who Montreal don't really have room for) at their AAVs and Joseph's term for two cheaper guys to get that 2nd is really bad roster management. Joseph is an ok bottom of the lineup guy and Brannstrom still has upside, but its not worth it for Montreal to be playing them ahead of guys they have, to say nothing of having to use offseason LTIR. It would take a lot more than a 2nd for Montreal to consider that trade.

This could work, Montreal get better, get a valuable pick, while only taking more cap; Ottawa fixes all their cap issues. This also allows them to keep Thomson

Joseph would be a huge fan favorite in Montreal, I hope this doesn’t happen and they choose another option


Joseph plays both sides, Brannstrom also likes RD better (but Ottawa only wants him on LD)

Joseph isn't close to be a prospect as a 26y.o., 2 years away from free agency. Again, I specified LONG TERM needs, since MTL is in rebuilding stage.

MTL already has Ghule, Harris and Xhekaj who can play on the right side. RHD means right HANDED defenseman, which is a different need.

oh sorry I somehow skipped "long term".

From this perspective I understand, you mean Montreal should only be looking to get at least semi-long term piece. Joseph could still be though, he probably still have 6-7 good years left and he's a speed demon so as long as he's a top skater will remain useful. He'd be a huge fan favorite in Montreal and they could re-sign him in 3 years

And damn, also skipped RHD (read it as RD), it seems I went way too fast over your post... Agreed anyway, Montreal doesn't need to add D-men at the moment. This trade would only make sense for them if they wanted to be more competitive NOW.

However I firmly think Brannstrom has not done rising, he'll be a 2nd pairing 2-way D-man as soon as he gets the opportunity, good 30-ish pts and excellent defense.