We have Suzuki Newhook Monahan still down the middle
Why are people panicking lmao
We were never supposed to be competitive

The team is better balanced with this lineup. Monahan should be the 2C with Slaf and Newhook

RHP-Suzuki-Ylönen
Slafkovsky-Newhook-Caufield
Pearson-Monahan-Anderson
Pezzetta-Evans-Gallagher

Matheson-Savard
Harris-Kovacevic
Xhekaj-Barron

You still have a balanced line up without any trades and/or call ups

Exactly!

The big blow here is loosing an opportunity to see if Dach could take his game to another level (note: I think he would have).

If there is to be a silver lining, I would say that MSL will be giving Newhook reps at C to see what he had there - can he? or is he more effective on the wing.

Further, in so far as the forwards are concerned, Hughes has put together an awefully promising core 5 in Montréal - Suzuki, Caufield (who are gonna get better yet), Newhook, Slafs and Dach. I see an opportunity to test the push and character of this group in Dach's absence.

Yes, loosing Dach is a blow. No doubt.

But given where the Habs are at, there are definitely some "silver linings" (a term we shall use loosely) had this team continues to develop.

Lol what is this. They are not giving up a 3rd for a fringe roster player

I would be more inclined to call up Beck as a 3C if Newhook doesn't work out than trade for another one. We have to remember Dvorak will be back in less than a month as well.

I prefer my lineup because it gives Monahan 2 better wingers to increase his point total for the TDL to get a better return. Dach will always have his spot at 2C next year. Monahan at 3C serves no purpose for the HABS if they are thinking of trading him at the TDL.

It is a better lineup.

Merely saying that where the Habs are at in their overall development, it behoves them to try Newhook at C to see what he can do there. Worst case: he is a winger. Best case: lineup flexibility.

I agree with @CBA this team wasn't meant to contend for a playoff spot. Take the time and opportunity to move the lineup around to see just how much flexibility is there for the long term.

If Newhook can mesh with linemates as a centre; the point is that top 6 looks even better as MSL would have 3 options at centre. It is simply something they have to do.

AZ is not trading bjug (the only C over 23yo) for another 3rd and an AHLer

Hmm. This is one of the better AZ trades I've seen, but I think they still say no. Bjugstad is better for them, and I don't even remember the last time I heard Andersson mentioned. Plus, Bjugstad wants to be in Arizona.