Package with SM to get a decent prospect

hutson in the ahl is very likely.

Until the Habs are a playoff team, and good defensively do they truly have "too many LHD? Numbers doesn't necessarily mean quality.

66% NHL players should left handed. Canadians should be having some of those lefties playing on the right side in Laval.

I think Harris and Strubble will be moved for prospects or picks. Xhekaj was put in the AHL(after his injury) to showcase Strubble(but the team seem to be liking what he is bringing) and not to punish Arber. Matheson will be traded for an NHL Mid-six forward.

- Matheson: On the trade block, would take a good offer being habs #1D right now.
- Guhle: Likely untouchable.
- Xhekaj: I sure hope they don't trade him, he's an incredibly rare type of player and he has upside that many overlook.
- Struble: Has surprised everyone (Even Hughes) with his play, but can he maintain it?
- Harris: He is capable of playing left or right side on defense, might make him the ideal 7th D.
- Hutson: I see nothing wrong with playing him in Laval next year (with Reinbacher). He's crazy talented but I think there will be an adjustment when it comes to defending at the NHL level, no need to rush him along.

Ideally I'd like to trade Matheson for a young top 6 forward and take a wait and see approach with Xhekaj, Struble, and Harris.

Guhle - Savard
Xhekaj - Barron
Struble - Kovacevic
Harris

Trudeau - Mailloux
Hutson - Reinbacher
Norlinder - ??? (Lindstrom claimed)
Tourigny

The following year could look like:

Guhle - Barron
Xhekaj - Mailloux
Hutson - Reinbacher or Kovacevic
Struble or Harris

Every player that doesn't make the Habs roster can be traded for a 1st round pick.

honestly i just hope that Matheson is traded and not kept til hes ufa, retain to get maximum value idc.
Guhle, Hutson and Xhekaj are prob the 3 mainstay imo, Struble and Harris could be dealt and maybe even Engstrom. trade one of em to get up in the draft is what I'd want habs to do if we end up at 8 or 9overall. one of the top forwards in this draft would be great for habs.

My friend are you way off on your predictions of who is likely to be traded. None of Struble, Xhekaj, Guhle or Hutson are being moved right now. Most likely on the move in the next18 months are Harris, Savard, Matheson, Engstrom, Kovacevic and Barron.

I think that @Shanesaw9 has pretty much touched the high points. The only thing I would add to the discussion is that I think your prediction that "One of Guhle/Hutson . . . will be traded in the off-season" is mistaken. Among other reasons, of all of your defense prospects, Guhle is the most likely to end up being your #1 LhD, and Hutson (in my mind) has the best chance at eventually being your #1 PP QB.

Hutson should have to prove it in the AHL. If he pulls a 10 game point streak out of his magic hat, call him up (or if he dominates at the end of this season during his cup of coffee, but I have him earmarked as making the NHL along with Reinbacher in 2025-26).

Then if you move Savard or Kovacevic at the TDL, there really isn't an issue for another year.