I think the Habs would pass. I like the potential in the deal but clearing the cap space from Dvorak, Savard and Armia next off season is more valuable then that potential in my mind. The cap space could make them major players in that FA and maybe be used to land a piece that makes a real difference

if dvorak had 3 years left then maybe would make since to swap straight up for Pageau,, but hes entering his final year so that really make sense for mtl. Bolduc would see little to no ice time in MTL, he may be young but in the habs depth chart he isnt in comparison to the rest of the d-core so really no value added there.

I think there definitely is a framework here with a ton of different players. I can see the Habs being interested in Pageau but just not at the expense of Dvorak only, essentially, on the basis of Dvorak being a pending UFA and Pageau still having an extra year after this. Lets be honest, both teams want these contracts off the books here. So the main goal for either team is getting the cap/roster flexibility more than the on ice product. So for any Dvorak for Pageau deal to work, I think the Habs would prefer to not take back extra skaters like Bolduc and Wahlstrom, probably add a different player than RHP who is a home grown player that I think means more to the Habs than elsewhere, so someone like Harris instead. Finally the Isles would need to add a pick. Maybe like a 2nd. That way Isles get a cheaper and less termed Pageau replacement and a young dman that can be part of their core. the Habs take on more term and cap at center but get a home town guy, a draft pick and reduce the roster size a little.

As for the other parts of the deal, I like Wahlstrom and Bolduc. Could very well be targets for the Habs in some form of other trade but I would say the biggest issue with the Habs right now is not cap space but rather roster size. They have too many waiver eligible players to the point of where they need to be the team giving away more players than they're taking on in any deals.

I'd be pretty surprised if Montreal would have any interest in this trade. Montreal's been pretty carefully clear up capspace for the 2025 offseason and there's nothing here that makes sense for them to deviate from that plan.

Due respect to Pageau, he's not what he once was and doesn't really make sense for Montreal compared to just sticking with Dvorak.

I'm not even going to comment on the trade or signings, but anyone who thinks Harvey-Pinard, Iskhakov, and Maggio belong in the top-6 of an NHL team is ****ing nuts.