What would be the purpose of a rebuilding team trading a young promising RHD in Barron for a 34 year old Tanev (and keeping Savard at the same time)?

I know you said outside the box, so I am wondering if there is some creative thinking going on that I don’t understand.

We are 6 points back of a wild card spot, the upgrades help motivate the team to make the push but at the same time aren't mortgaging the future or preventing younger players from taking those roster spots next year as I would only consider resigning Mrazek and only to a 1 year deal, Ylonen, Monahan and Tanev would be allowed to walk in FA.

Edit*** the stretch run, even if we don't make the playoffs, would be an invaluable lesson to the young core, showing them what it takes to make the playoffs and if we do make the playoffs that experience is even more invaluable. We aren't bad enough to get a top 5 pick in this draft and we likely aren't lucky enough to win a lottery, so why not use the pick and some good prospects to solidify the future forward group and get better now.

Goalie trade value is usually relatively low. IMO this is an overpay for Mrazek especially with his pending UFA status. Chicago accepts.

I figured it was high and it probably still goes through with just Primeau but the upgrade is worth the price IMO since we have Fowler coming soon.

Edit** it's also about making sure we get the player so overpaying is usually required at the tdl

Primeau is putting up decent numbers for a 24 year old goalie. Chicago should be all over this deal. I think he's an upgrade over Soderblom

I think it's a good deal for both sides, Primeau is likely pushed out once Fowler is ready and Monty is already ahead of him and signed so it makes sense to move him rather than carry 3 goalies for 2 years in a row

If Montreal gives up Barron for 37 games of Tanev and lets Tanev go at the end of the year I don’t see how that helps a lot. Are you one of the fans that is really low on Barron?

Primeau’s numbers are not good. I think this is a sign of him playing in the NHL before he should have been & not a reflection of his ability/potential. I wouldn’t mind give him a shot but think it is a moot point. The most likely scenario is Hawks extend Mrazek for 2 years & he plays while Commesso “marinates” in the AHL.

No, I am not low on Barron but he isn't part of the long term plans either. Reinbacher will be in Laval to start the season next year but will also likely be called up at some point and I think he will stick with the Habs afterwards. Even if Reinbacher doesn't get called up or make the team Guhle has outplayed Barron on the right side, so it's not like we can't fill his spot while our young RD develop, or we can sign another stopgap in the offseason

I have to disagree with the comment that Barron is not part of the long term plan. I think Montreal would prefer to have Guhle on the left (with Hutson, Struble, Xhekaj, and Harris all in the mix to figure out the other pairings) and Reinbacher on the right with Barron, Mailloux (and maybe Kovacevic or Konyushkov ) on the right side for the other pairings.
With that being said, I would not mind trading Barron for something that helps long term, like perhaps in a Zegras trade, but not for half a season of Tanev.

Obviously you and I view it differently, which is OK with me.

I like Barron, I really do but the way I see our D shaking out is Hutson-Reinbacher, they had great chemistry in rookie and main camps this past offseason and should be allowed to continue building on that. Guhle-Savard/Kovacevic short-term with either Konyushkov or Mailloux longterm. Struble/Xhekaj with Konyushkov or Mailloux. I feel like Konyushkov offers the best 2 way game between Barron/Konyushkov/Mailloux but I also don't mind keeping Barron as a safety net incase none of the others can take that role lol

I think it would be better: Guhle/Barron, Hutson/Rein, Xhekaj(Struble)/Mailloux. At least for the next 3-4 seasons.

Montreal is 6 points out of the last wildcard spot. Tampa Bay has 51 points in 45 games. Montreal has 45 in 45. Here’s who is in between them:

Washington (50 pts in 43 games)
Pittsburgh (48 pts in 42 games)
Islanders (48 pts in 42 games)
Devils (48 pts in 44 games)

Montreal isn’t mathematically eliminated, but they have some of the lowest playoff odds in the league.

Quite possibly the worst possible TDL for the Habs to do. I'd be on the fence of literally revolting outside the Bell centre if they did this.

Like I'm a little shocked you think this is actually a good idea.

Now to play devils advocate, if you want to make a little push to give the team some confidence (I wouldn't but whatever), by all means throw some late round picks out there and what not to get some immediate veteran help but this..... holy H-E-double hockey sticks... this would be an absolute no logic TDL by the Habs and I wouldn't be just disappointed, I'd be legitimately mad if they did this.

Since there's another year for Allen, retention would be needed

Not even close to getting Trevor Zegras out of Anaheim, Sorry Hughes isn't moving the 2024 1st round pick if it's top 10.

Christopher Tanev isn't being traded to a Non-Playoff team like Montreal. Zero chance of that trade happening.

Unless you're moving Jake Allen at 50% retention there is no way he's returning a 3rd round pick. James Reimer and Jake Allen have similar numbers and Detroit could trade Reimer at 50% retained and get a better offer than you would for Allen.