Even if the Habs are in a WC spot they should still be selling and giving up a top 20 pick for Hertl isn't the right move for this team in the long run

Detroit has 3 goalies that play good-decent at the NHL level I don't see them trading for a 4th Tender.

I don't hate the idea of trading for Hertl but, I think the Habs get crunched 5 out of 7 games and solidify the continued rebuild mentality which I prefer they choose. They suprised and beat Winnipeg but, in the next 6 I think they only beat Chicago.

Edit:

So... Regardless of what you think about their chances this season I will challenge that a bit in the context of the next 4-5 years.

Hertl is a better player than Monahan and the way he plays, he should not decline for quite a few more years.

Next season Monahan won't be here. Isn't Hertl a good replacement as an 'elder statesman' in the forward group?

If that comes to pass.. I would agree with you. I just think the next 6 games are a huge statement about who they are and where they're at.

Fair enough

He is but giving up a top 20 pick for him isn't the answer. I'd rather sell off some of our veteran dman, clear another 3 million in cap space and take a run at Stampkos or Stephenson in UFA.

If they're gonna make more of a win now move it should be FA not giving up assets for a veteran. I still think they should just trade Monahan though and try to run Suzuki - Dach - Dvorak - Evans down the middle for a full season, that should be option one

Doubt Yzerman would be interested in a return from Berggren where the main piece is a pick.

I mean... those players have to choose to come to MTL. It's an important distinction because many or most will not. Hertl is kind of like another Suzuki. They play somewhat different games, but in terms of 60-70 points and good defense, its kind of like getting Danault back. If Dach comes back healthy we could have 3 x 50-70 point centers which can be better than having a single 100+ point game breaker.

I hear you on free agency, but I think you are mistaken that we get our pick of the litter. We will get the scraps because Canada, French, Taxes, Winter.... Hertl on the other hand might be happy to be rescued by a team 2-3 years ahead in their rebuild.