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The bromance is over and just beginning

Created by: jonh514
Team: 2024-25 Montreal Canadiens
Initial Creation Date: Mar. 30, 2024
Published: Mar. 30, 2024
Salary Cap Mode: Basic
Description
I love the physical impact of Slaf's game and how he helps Suzuki attack the middle in a way Caufield rarely does. I know everyone thinks about Dach as a Center, but I would love to see what he can do as a winger on a line with Zuke & Slaf.

If you'll recall Dach & Slaf had some major chemistry through the preseason and right up until Dach got injured. A top line of Suzuki centering Slaf on the left and Dach on the right feels like it could explode. I imagine Dach's ability to protect the puck along the boards with his huge wingspan (one of his best skills in my opinion) jiving perfectly with how Slaf & Zuke have been connecting the past 30 games. Caufield is probably, unfortunately, the odd man out, mostly because he does not attack the middle of the ice.

I would look at moving Caufield to a second line position, on more of a finesse line, and with lower competition he will be able to rack up more points. Obviously he and Zegras are best buds and I would tap into that the same way the Avs are taping into Drouin's connection with MacKinnon.

I would go get Zegras in the offseason and pickup a RW to play with them. It's time for this team to have 2 true scoring lines.

I chose Tarasenko because he plays with a bit of a physical edge and he seems willing to sign a shorter term deal. Maybe he'll like the idea of playing on that line?
Free Agent Signings
RFAYEARSCAP HIT
2$1,400,000
2$1,400,000
UFAYEARSCAP HIT
2$6,000,000
Trades
1.
ANA
  1. 2024 1st round pick (MTL)
  2. 2025 2nd round pick (MTL)
  3. 2026 1st round pick (MTL)
Additional Details:
There is no package that makes sense for BOTH teams and makes BOTH teams better next year. If Anaheim is not sold on Zegras, and is willing to take futures for him, this is the sort of package that could help them be a force in a few years.

Anaheim doesn't want any of the Habs LD prospects. The Habs do not have any forwards they are willing to trade that are better than anything Anaheim has in their pipeline. The truth is the only way this deal gets done is if Anaheim wants Zegras gone.

I think this is a compelling package in that case, and for fans who say this is too much, I will remind you that Zegras has more points in his 20 year old season than Suzuki & Caufield combined.

Notes:

2024 pick is 6 OA
2026 pick is top 5 protected
2.
MTL
ANA
  1. Kovacevic, Johnathan
Additional Details:
Anywhere for anything
Retained Salary Transactions
DraftRound 1Round 2Round 3Round 4Round 5Round 6Round 7
2024
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Logo of the MIN
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Logo of the MTL
Logo of the SJS
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the EDM
Logo of the WSH
2025
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Logo of the CGY
Logo of the PIT
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the NJD
Logo of the VAN
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the DET
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the MTL
2026
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the MTL
Logo of the MTL
ROSTER SIZESALARY CAPCAP HITOVERAGES TooltipBONUSESCAP SPACE
23$87,500,000$81,522,083$1,022,500$3,977,500$5,977,917
Left WingCentreRight Wing
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$950,000$950,000 (Performance Bonus$3,500,000$4M)
RW, LW
RFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$7,875,000$7,875,000
C
UFA - 6
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$3,362,500$3,362,500
C, RW
RFA - 2
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$7,850,000$7,850,000
LW, RW
UFA - 7
Logo of the Anaheim Ducks
$5,750,000$5,750,000
C, LW
RFA - 2
$6,000,000$6,000,000
RW
UFA
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$835,000$835,000
LW, RW
RFA - 2
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$2,900,000$2,900,000
C, LW
RFA - 3
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$3,400,000$3,400,000
RW, LW
UFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$5,500,000$5,500,000
RW, LW
M-NTC
UFA - 3
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$1,700,000$1,700,000
C
UFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$6,500,000$6,500,000
RW, LW
M-NTC, NMC
UFA - 3
Left DefenseRight DefenseGoaltender
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$4,875,000$4,875,000
LD
M-NTC
UFA - 2
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$863,333$863,333 (Performance Bonus$420,000$420K)
LD/RD
RFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$3,150,000$3,150,000
G
UFA - 3
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$1,400,000$1,400,000
LD/RD
RFA
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$3,500,000$3,500,000
RD
UFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$890,000$890,000
G
RFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$867,500$867,500 (Performance Bonus$57,500$58K)
LD
RFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$1,400,000$1,400,000
RD
RFA
ScratchesInjured Reserve (IR)Long Term IR (LTIR)
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$4,450,000$4,450,000
C
M-NTC
UFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$10,500,000$10,500,000
G
NMC
UFA - 2
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$812,500$812,500
LW, RW
UFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$1,400,000$1,400,000
LD/RD
RFA - 1

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Mar. 30 at 11:18 a.m.
#26
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Quoting: Caufield
Debatable, probably doesn't make the team in 2024-25, makes it the following season, gets around 40ish pts, and gets in the 60 in 2026-27, like Z. I just see a much more complete player in Catton, with elite hockey IQ, very solid skater, and dangerous shot. Catton screams Elite potential to me.

Just to look at the draft board:

1. Celebrini SJS
2. A D of sort, probably Lev CHI
3. best D available ANA
4. Lindstrom CLB
5. A big D or Eiserman ARZ

I honestly think we have a solid shot of having 2 of the 3 forwards available at 6


Are you nuts? Chicago "may" take a D, but I am not convinced they won't prefer Demidov because he's a game-breaker and is vocal about his willingness to come over ASAP.

Anaheim is taking Lindstrom. They love forwards with Size. They have TONS of D. Why would they take another LD?!
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Mar. 30 at 11:22 a.m.
#27
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Quoting: jonh514
Not to let the facts interfere with a good story, but look at their linemates and strength of competition as well. Zegras/Terry was the lone scoring duo on the team while Cozens played behind TT.

The defenders they faced were enormously different in ability.


Do you have actual stats to back up that Zegras played in tougher matchups or are you just assuming that because Cozens played behind Tage...

Because Zegras' zone starts suggest that he played extremely sheltered situations...

Not to mention Cozens' most common linemates were JJ Paterka and Jack Quinn, so it's not exactly like he was playing with world beaters while Zegras was anchored with scrubs lol.
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Mar. 30 at 11:24 a.m.
#28
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Quoting: jonh514
Are you nuts? Chicago "may" take a D, but I am not convinced they won't prefer Demidov because he's a game-breaker and is vocal about his willingness to come over ASAP.

Anaheim is taking Lindstrom. They love forwards with Size. They have TONS of D. Why would they take another LD?!


ANA has no good young LD, other than Mintyukov, they definitely could use more. Plus they have Carlsson, McTavish, Terry, Gauthier, and Zegras already at forward, With the quality of LD there are, if I'm ANA, I'm taking one of them over a forward.
CHI, don't see them skipping Lev
Mar. 30 at 11:28 a.m.
#29
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Quoting: Caufield
ANA has no good young LD, other than Mintyukov, they definitely could use more. Plus they have Carlsson, McTavish, Terry, Gauthier, and Zegras already at forward, With the quality of LD there are, if I'm ANA, I'm taking one of them over a forward.
CHI, don't see them skipping Lev


Minty, Luneau, Zellweger... Just from the 2022 draft...

Edit: oops: Zellweger was 2021
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Mar. 30 at 11:29 a.m.
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Quoting: jonh514
Minty, Luneau, Zellweger... Just from the 2022 draft...

Edit: oops: Zellweger was 2021


sht, forgot Zell. Luneau is on the right though
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Mar. 30 at 11:30 a.m.
#31
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Quoting: Caufield
sht, forgot Zell. Luneau is on the right though


He is... But like, they have D. They also have cap space for days and need vets. I can see them going for some ex-Hurricanes this offseason.
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Mar. 30 at 11:59 a.m.
#32
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Cole Caufield, first 195 games: 73 goals, 66 assists = 139 points, -41
Trevor Zegras, first 180 games*: 49 goals, 90 assists = 139 points, -39 (*pre-injury this season)

Caufield and Zegras would be an excellent combination because Zegras distributes and Caufield scores

I find it hilarious that the same guys who detest Zegras for his "flash" around the goal accuse him of being a perimeter player

Quoting: jonh514
Are you nuts? Chicago "may" take a D, but I am not convinced they won't prefer Demidov because he's a game-breaker and is vocal about his willingness to come over ASAP.

Anaheim is taking Lindstrom. They love forwards with Size. They have TONS of D. Why would they take another LD?!

Chicago will take a forward to pair with Bedard if they don't get Celebrini. If they do, San jose is twice as likely to take Demidov or Lindstrom as they are Levshunov.

Anaheim will select Levshunov or, if he's not available, Lindstrom.
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Mar. 30 at 12:05 p.m.
#33
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Quoting: OldNYIfan
Cole Caufield, first 195 games: 73 goals, 66 assists = 139 points, -41
Trevor Zegras, first 180 games*: 49 goals, 90 assists = 139 points, -39 (*pre-injury this season)

Caufield and Zegras would be an excellent combination because Zegras distributes and Caufield scores

I find it hilarious that the same guys who detest Zegras for his "flash" around the goal accuse him of being a perimeter player


Chicago will take a forward to pair with Bedard if they don't get Celebrini. If they do, San jose is twice as likely to take Demidov or Lindstrom as they are Levshunov.

Anaheim will select Levshunov or, if he's not available, Lindstrom.


To me it's simple math, 2022-23 Zegras 65 points > 2022-23 Dach 38 points. I get that Dach was injured (again). I get that Dach has "intangibles". Zegras has intangibles too. Dach will never be 100pt player, but Zegras... I am not closing the door.
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Mar. 30 at 12:07 p.m.
#34
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Quoting: jonh514
I do not buy the argument that a 6'0 185lbs player is necessarily a perimeter player. Smaller players with speed & skill can wreak havok on 2nd pair defenders who don't have the mobility.

I always believe injured players under the age of 30 will recover well. I feel it about Caufield, Dach, & Newhook as well, so why not Zegras?


Newhook is built solidly over 200lbs and consistently good on the forecheck. Dach is the same and an absolute beast at 6'4" 220 lbs.
Neither are close to Zegras and Caufield in terms of forechecking and play style. And im not a Newhook fan. He is more tools than hockey sense. But he's not even a comparable in this instance.

Caufield is the idea here. They dont need another Caufield.
Mar. 30 at 12:29 p.m.
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Quoting: RazorSeider53
Do you have actual stats to back up that Zegras played in tougher matchups or are you just assuming that because Cozens played behind Tage...


... I guess the answer to this was no, considering the conversation conveniently died here.
Mar. 30 at 12:34 p.m.
#36
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Edited Mar. 30 at 12:42 p.m.
Quoting: jonh514
Minty, Luneau, Zellweger... Just from the 2022 draft...

Edit: oops: Zellweger was 2021


LaCombe is the LHD you're thinking of, and is developing into a very good 2nd pairing D with a great 200ft game. We have LHD in spades, we have arguably the best U23 LHD in the league.

Caufield is just FULL of hot takes on Anaheim that are factually incorrect. Zegras doesn't have PPG+ ceiling left? Laughable. The kid picked at 6 will be better? Pipedream. Acting like the Zegras is 28 and has peaked in his career, he's barely played 200 NHL games and outside the last 20, mired with injury, production has NEVER been an issue with him, to the point he has put produced Caufield across his entire career in PPG.
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Mar. 30 at 12:36 p.m.
#37
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Quoting: RazorSeider53
... I guess the answer to this was no, considering the conversation conveniently died here.


It's not that complicated. One guy played on the only scoring line on a terrible team. The other guy played a mix of 2nd and 3rd line minutes on a team behind TT, Skinner, Tuch.
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Mar. 30 at 12:43 p.m.
#38
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Quoting: GiggywithGibby
LaCombe is the LHD you're thinking of, and is developing into a very good 2nd pairing D with a great 200ft game. We have LHD in spades, we have arguably the best U23 LHD in the league.

Caufield is just FULL of hot takes on Anaheim that are factually incorrect. Zegras doesn't have PPG+ ceiling left? Laughable. The kid picked at 6 will be better? Pipedream.


No sir. The Habs have the best U23 LHD! But I take your meaning that there is no reason for Anaheim to pick a LHD this season!

All kidding aside, the Habs fans who crap on Zegras and praise Dach are behaving in a typical way for this site, but are wrong to do so.

Everyone around here is obsessed with the idea of "new" players being the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Every player not picked 1st overall is gonna have holes in their game. Very few players picked 2-10 this year are going to score more points over the next 5 years than Zegras.

The Habs would be buying acceleration, and you have to pay for that.
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Mar. 30 at 12:46 p.m.
#39
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Quoting: jonh514
It's not that complicated. One guy played on the only scoring line on a terrible team. The other guy played a mix of 2nd and 3rd line minutes on a team behind TT, Skinner, Tuch.


So you don't have any actual evidence to back up that Zegras played against tougher competition.

Thanks for answering by not answering. wink
Mar. 30 at 12:50 p.m.
#40
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Quoting: RazorSeider53
So you don't have any actual evidence to back up that Zegras played against tougher competition.

Thanks for answering by not answering. wink


Are you just trolling, or are you actually making the argument that teams played their top pair against Cozens over Tage Thompson?
Mar. 30 at 12:55 p.m.
#41
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Quoting: jonh514
Are you just trolling, or are you actually making the argument that teams played their top pair against Cozens over Tage Thompson?


Are you going to actually provide any evidence of it?

Because Zegras having an absurd offensive zone start ratio alone gives a pretty good indicator that Anaheim was very selective about how they deployed him lol.

If you're willing to provide actual stats, please do...
Mar. 30 at 12:59 p.m.
#42
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Quoting: jonh514
No sir. The Habs have the best U23 LHD! But I take your meaning that there is no reason for Anaheim to pick a LHD this season!

All kidding aside, the Habs fans who crap on Zegras and praise Dach are behaving in a typical way for this site, but are wrong to do so.

Everyone around here is obsessed with the idea of "new" players being the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Every player not picked 1st overall is gonna have holes in their game. Very few players picked 2-10 this year are going to score more points over the next 5 years than Zegras.

The Habs would be buying acceleration, and you have to pay for that.


I mean, the first LHD you guys have on the Athletic are down in Tier 8 with LaCombe, while Anaheims got Mintyukov and Zellweger up in Tiers 5 and 6. Yeah, I think there are more NHL level LHD in MTLs pipeline, but how many do you need?

And we've got Hinds who was defensive Damn of the year in the Q last season, and Vaakainen, while older than 23, has finally bourn the fruits of our labors, him and Gudas were one of the best shutdown pairs in the league this season.

Detroit also has an extremely potent LHD pipeline with lots of high end talent.

As to Acceleration though, I agree, you have to pay for that in this league, also the risk that the guy taken with a pick busts, which is very real even at 6 (Cody Glass, Jakob Vrana, etc)

https://theathletic.com/5197201/2024/01/16/nhl-players-prospects-ranking-under-23/
Mar. 30 at 1:01 p.m.
#43
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Quoting: GiggywithGibby
I mean, the first LHD you guys have on the Athletic are down in Tier 8 with LaCombe, while Anaheims got Mintyukov and Zellweger up in Tiers 5 and 6. Yeah, I think there are more NHL level LHD in MTLs pipeline, but how many do you need?

And we've got Hinds who was defensive Damn of the year in the Q last season, and Vaakainen, while older than 23, has finally bourn the fruits of our labors, him and Gudas were one of the best shutdown pairs in the league this season.

Detroit also has an extremely potent LHD pipeline with lots of high end talent.

As to Acceleration though, I agree, you have to pay for that in this league, also the risk that the guy taken with a pick busts, which is very real even at 6 (Cody Glass, Jakob Vrana, etc)

https://theathletic.com/5197201/2024/01/16/nhl-players-prospects-ranking-under-23/


Guhle is Tier 8? Hutson is Tier 8?
Mar. 30 at 1:07 p.m.
#44
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Quoting: jonh514
Guhle is Tier 8? Hutson is Tier 8?


82nd and 88th respectively, top end of tier 8. LaCombe 119 tier 8, Zellweger 62nd (tier 7, my bad, not tier 6) and Mintyukov 28 (tier 6, not tier 5)
Mar. 30 at 1:09 p.m.
#45
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Quoting: jonh514
Guhle is Tier 8? Hutson is Tier 8?


It's not that outlandish when you consider that the list he's citing is ALL U23 NHL affiliated players, graduated or not.

For instance, Tier 1 is Bedard by himself. Tier 2 is J. Hughes/Stutzle/Fantilli. Tier 3 is Carlsson/Michkov/L. Hughes/Seider.
Mar. 30 at 1:17 p.m.
#46
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Edited Mar. 30 at 1:22 p.m.
Quoting: GiggywithGibby
82nd and 88th respectively, top end of tier 8. LaCombe 119 tier 8, Zellweger 62nd (tier 7, my bad, not tier 6) and Mintyukov 28 (tier 6, not tier 5)


Guhle is gonna be a top 64 defender in this league for his entire career. With respect to that list, it's horribly wrong.

Edit: I would add, he already is.

Edit Again: I did. Or realize the list was all skaters!
Mar. 30 at 1:21 p.m.
#47
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Quoting: RazorSeider53
It's not that outlandish when you consider that the list he's citing is ALL U23 NHL affiliated players, graduated or not.

For instance, Tier 1 is Bedard by himself. Tier 2 is J. Hughes/Stutzle/Fantilli. Tier 3 is Carlsson/Michkov/L. Hughes/Seider.


OIC. Forwards and defenders mixed in. That makes sense then. Yes a #2 defender would be hovering around 100. Makes sense.
Mar. 30 at 1:26 p.m.
#48
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Quoting: jonh514
OIC. Forwards and defenders mixed in. That makes sense then. Yes a #2 defender would be hovering around 100. Makes sense.


Which one is a #2 lol.

I'm hoping Guhle.
Mar. 30 at 1:58 p.m.
#49
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Quoting: RazorSeider53
Which one is a #2 lol.

I'm hoping Guhle.


Guhle for sure!
Mar. 30 at 2:01 p.m.
#50
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Quoting: jonh514
Guhle for sure!


Soon as he was drafted I was hell bent on making sure he made it big, just so I could do this every time his name is called...

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