interesting

LA likely has to add to get Xhejak. Whether they should is another question but Habs management would have that opinion

Yea, I don't think that's true.

Its very true the habs by multiple reliable sources have gotten better offers than kalyiev already

Whether you think it's true or not, Habs pass easily. We currently have 11 wingers on the roster when healthy (Caufield, Slafkovsky, Monahan (when Dvorak is healthy), Anderson, Gallagher, Armia, Pearson, RHP, Ylonen, Newhook and Pezzetta) with Suzuki, Dach, Dvorak and Evans at center, no need for another winger who won't even make the top 9

So why do I see a dozen Harris for Kaliyev trades every day proposed by Habs fans?

Cause they are moving other players to make room and not paying more than Kaliyev is worth. Also Harris isn't part of the Habs long term plans Xhekaj is

So it's not that they don't need another winger, it's that you feel he's not worth the cost.

So, according to you ...

Trading Kaliyev for Brannstrom with 50% retention is bad.

But trading Kaliyev for Xhekaj is good.


I'm sure you have excuses for why that is ...

I made this ACGM for a guy on the LA Kings Insider blog who wanted to know what the team looked like with some truculence on it. He suggested going for Maroon and Xhekaj. Lindgren was my idea.

50% retention doesn't help next season with Brannstrom.

Brannstrom >>>> Xhekaj.

And looking back at what was said in my ACGM, Xhekaj is even less of a need for the Kings than Brannstrom is.

But whatever ...

I don't disagree. Extend Brannstrom for a year and then retain 50% of his contract for the duration and that might be something the Kings go for.

As it stands, Xhekaj's contract next season is something the Kings can realistically work with, as his qualifying offer is only $813k.