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Zegras on a heater

Created by: jonh514
Team: 2024-25 Montreal Canadiens
Initial Creation Date: Apr. 13, 2024
Published: Apr. 13, 2024
Salary Cap Mode: Basic
Description
Trevor Zegras has found his form again. 6 points in his last 6 games, he's also been a +3 over that stretch despite the team losing 4 of 6.

I really think that if the Habs can swing a deal they would be insane to sleep on this kid. He's 185 lbs and he should probably be 190 lbs next season. That's the size for an NHL center and with his skills, we could bank on 2 solid NHL lines starting next year and for a lot of years to come.

I would move Dach & Newhook back to the wings in this case and have 4 centers playing in the top 6 and a righty and lefty on each line.

For those who don't think Newhook can't hang with Zuke & Slaf, go back and watch the goals Newhook scored playing with Zuke when Caufield was demoted earlier in the year. They had some really nice chemistry. Newhook has a better shot and finishing talent than most give him credit for.

I would try Newhook for 1 season and if it doesn't work out move him down and go shopping in the 2025-26 offseason.
Free Agent Signings
RFAYEARSCAP HIT
2$1,400,000
CREATEDYEARSCAP HIT
Lindstrom, Cayden
3$975,000
Trades
ANA
  1. Xhekaj, Florian
  2. Xhekaj, Arber [RFA Rights]
  3. 2024 1st round pick (WPG)
Additional Details:
I hate to see the Xhekaj boys go, but if you want the set of Zegras & Caufield, you have to give something up to get them.

We know how much Verbeek values size. The Habs value it too, but right now the issue is top 6 skill.
Retained Salary Transactions
DraftRound 1Round 2Round 3Round 4Round 5Round 6Round 7
2024
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2025
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Logo of the CGY
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Logo of the NJD
Logo of the VAN
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2026
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ROSTER SIZESALARY CAPCAP HITOVERAGES TooltipBONUSESCAP SPACE
24$87,500,000$76,938,750$1,022,500$4,727,500$10,561,250
Left WingCentreRight Wing
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$2,900,000$2,900,000
C, LW
RFA - 3
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$7,875,000$7,875,000
C
UFA - 6
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$950,000$950,000 (Performance Bonus$3,500,000$4M)
RW, LW
RFA - 1
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$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
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$3,362,500$3,362,500
C, RW
RFA - 2
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$835,000$835,000
LW, RW
RFA - 2
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$1,700,000$1,700,000
C
UFA - 1
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$3,400,000$3,400,000
RW, LW
UFA - 1
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$5,500,000$5,500,000
RW, LW
M-NTC
UFA - 3
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$4,450,000$4,450,000
C
M-NTC
UFA - 1
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$6,500,000$6,500,000
RW, LW
M-NTC, NMC
UFA - 3
Left DefenseRight DefenseGoaltender
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$4,875,000$4,875,000
LD
M-NTC
UFA - 2
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$863,333$863,333 (Performance Bonus$420,000$420K)
LD/RD
RFA - 1
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$3,150,000$3,150,000
G
UFA - 3
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$950,000$950,000 (Performance Bonus$750,000$750K)
LD
RFA - 2
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
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$867,500$867,500 (Performance Bonus$57,500$58K)
LD
RFA - 1
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$1,400,000$1,400,000
LD/RD
RFA - 1
ScratchesInjured Reserve (IR)Long Term IR (LTIR)
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$812,500$812,500
LW, RW
UFA - 1
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$10,500,000$10,500,000
G
NMC
UFA - 2
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$1,100,000$1,100,000
LW, RW
RFA - 1
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$1,400,000$1,400,000
RD
RFA
Logo of the Montreal Canadiens
$766,667$766,667
RD
UFA - 1

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Apr. 13 at 10:21 a.m.
#1
Once a Kings Fan Too
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The Xhekaj boys are both lefties. And don't start with "But Arber can play on his off side" because so can I, but you wouldn't want me doing it. Montreal's own 2024 first plus Beck or Mesar would get the job done because you guys don't want to part with one of your two best RhDs.
Apr. 13 at 10:46 a.m.
#2
Berkly goat Catton
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Zegras is worth about 9OA. Our own first is WAY too much but Xhekaj^2 and Winnipeg’s first = around 13 OA.

I would say we don’t need a defensive liability forward, but nobody listen to that. Everybody is always offense, offense, offense. Look how it’s working for the Leafs and Oilers
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Apr. 13 at 11:05 a.m.
#3
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On a heater....

He has 13 points in 29 games lol
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Apr. 13 at 11:05 a.m.
#4
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Quoting: GuyGuyGuy
Zegras is worth about 9OA. Our own first is WAY too much but Xhekaj^2 and Winnipeg’s first = around 13 OA.

I would say we don’t need a defensive liability forward, but nobody listen to that. Everybody is always offense, offense, offense. Look how it’s working for the Leafs and Oilers


You watch Z play a lot?
Apr. 13 at 11:06 a.m.
#5
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Quoting: Black61
On a heater....

He has 13 points in 29 games lol


Yep, he was playing injured basically the first 20 games of the season

But anyways, a heater is when you start ‘heating up’ over a span of time, hence the name
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Apr. 13 at 11:08 a.m.
#6
Berkly goat Catton
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Quoting: GeneralLandro
You watch Z play a lot?


You know how to use trade comps?
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Apr. 13 at 11:10 a.m.
#7
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Quoting: GeneralLandro
Yep, he was playing injured basically the first 20 games of the season

But anyways, a heater is when you start ‘heating up’ over a span of time, hence the name


Injured or just lazy because by the way he was called out and benched earlier this year it seems more the latter
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Apr. 13 at 11:23 a.m.
#8
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Quoting: Black61
Injured or just lazy because by the way he was called out and benched earlier this year it seems more the latter


I love that this is your take. One less ridiculous MTL wet dream of bringing in Zegras.

ANA declines this without a second thought
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Apr. 13 at 11:24 a.m.
#9
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Quoting: Black61
Injured or just lazy because by the way he was called out and benched earlier this year it seems more the latter


That’s hilarious because that same BS happens now because Cronin even said he holds Z to a different standard so that is just inaccurate
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Apr. 13 at 11:25 a.m.
#10
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Quoting: GuyGuyGuy
You know how to use trade comps?


No need to get all flustered, I just asked a question

What’s your trade comp for Z then?
Apr. 13 at 12:12 p.m.
#11
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Quoting: OldNYIfan
The Xhekaj boys are both lefties. And don't start with "But Arber can play on his off side" because so can I, but you wouldn't want me doing it. Montreal's own 2024 first plus Beck or Mesar would get the job done because you guys don't want to part with one of your two best RhDs.


Florian play at center!
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Apr. 13 at 12:19 p.m.
#12
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Quoting: OldNYIfan
The Xhekaj boys are both lefties. And don't start with "But Arber can play on his off side" because so can I, but you wouldn't want me doing it. Montreal's own 2024 first plus Beck or Mesar would get the job done because you guys don't want to part with one of your two best RhDs.


I get your position is you don't like the deal, but I am confused about your comment about being lefties. Florian is a Center and Arber is a LD.
Apr. 13 at 12:46 p.m.
#13
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Quoting: Joblow
Florian play at center!


Quoting: jonh514
I get your position is you don't like the deal, but I am confused about your comment about being lefties. Florian is a Center and Arber is a LD.

We have an abundance of left-handed forwards and an absolute surplus of left-handed defensemen. Our primary need is at RW (hence my mention of Beck and Mesar) and our secondary need is RhD.

My specific reference to Arber acknowledged that he's a defenseman and that by extension, Florian is not.

I think highly of the Xhekaj brothers, by the way.
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Apr. 13 at 12:58 p.m.
#14
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Quoting: OldNYIfan
We have an abundance of left-handed forwards and an absolute surplus of left-handed defensemen. Our primary need is at RW (hence my mention of Beck and Mesar) and our secondary need is RhD.

My specific reference to Arber acknowledged that he's a defenseman and that by extension, Florian is not.

I think highly of the Xhekaj brothers, by the way.


2 best RHDs... Is one of those Mailloux or Barron? I would trade either of them for Zegras.
Apr. 13 at 1:04 p.m.
#15
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Quoting: jonh514
2 best RHDs... Is one of those Mailloux or Barron? I would trade either of them for Zegras.

Every time we bring up Reinbacher's name, we get universal rejection from Habs fans, and that usually happens over Mailloux, too.

Beck/Mesar plus the Montreal first would work, but we'd want a little extra for Mailloux instead of a RW.
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Apr. 13 at 3:18 p.m.
#16
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Quoting: GeneralLandro
No need to get all flustered, I just asked a question

What’s your trade comp for Z then?


Last time a top 6 forward U23 was traded, it was Debrincat for 7OA and a second. Debrincat is a superior player in all aspects of the game so Zegras would get less. We also have to take into account that that Cat trade turned out to be one of the worst trade of Sens’ history, so 9OA for Zegras seems like his value, wich is still a big overpay for me
Apr. 13 at 3:32 p.m.
#17
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Quoting: GeneralLandro
That’s hilarious because that same BS happens now because Cronin even said he holds Z to a different standard so that is just inaccurate


“He can play to a higher standard than most guys can offensively, and that when he competes away from the puck, he just brings his game to a higher level, and I think it’s inspiring for his teammates to see,” Cronin said. “When he does things naturally well offensively, I think it gives guys confidence, and then when he puts the same investment in defensively, he becomes a role model.”

We can let Cronin speak for himself. All of this Anaheim wants to trade Zegras coming out of Montreal and other places where they incidentally would love to add Zegras is such nonsense.
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Apr. 13 at 4:00 p.m.
#18
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Quoting: GuyGuyGuy
Zegras is worth about 9OA. Our own first is WAY too much but Xhekaj^2 and Winnipeg’s first = around 13 OA.

I would say we don’t need a defensive liability forward, but nobody listen to that. Everybody is always offense, offense, offense. Look how it’s working for the Leafs and Oilers


I agree with your valuation. I don't think Xhekaj+Xhekaj would get you to 13th overall. Maybe a team would, but frankly imo a team would be incredibly stupid to give up a 1st of value for the Xhekaj brothers.
Apr. 13 at 4:41 p.m.
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Quoting: dgibb10
I agree with your valuation. I don't think Xhekaj+Xhekaj would get you to 13th overall. Maybe a team would, but frankly imo a team would be incredibly stupid to give up a 1st of value for the Xhekaj brothers.


They both have been extremely good this season but I don’t think they are top of the lineup players. I would rather keep them to defend our stars (especially Hutson and hopefully Celebrini)
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Apr. 13 at 4:52 p.m.
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Quoting: GuyGuyGuy
They both have been extremely good this season but I don’t think they are top of the lineup players. I would rather keep them to defend our stars (especially Hutson and hopefully Celebrini)


I question 19 year old OHLer production more than anything. I don’t think I’d pay more than. Late 3rd or early 4th for Florian.

Arber I simply don’t think is an effective NHL hockey player, and I also don’t believe your enforcer should be a dman.

You can’t particularly hide a dman as easily. And in xhekaj’s case I think his inability to provide value (at least so far) on either special teams unit REALLY limits what you can do.

It’s really forcing Mike Matheson into a massive role having to kill penalties. I look at NJDs roster for example and my thought is, “who kills penalties if we add Xhekaj”

As bad as Brendan smith may be, he can be hidden on forward, and his saving trait is that he is a truly elite penalty killer (because he doesn’t have to make any accurate passes).

If Arber can’t learn to kill penalties at an NHL level, I really question how Montreal incorporates both him and Hutson in and manages an effective PK. Already they VERY much struggle on the kill, and Xhekaj can’t crack it.
Apr. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
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Quoting: dgibb10
I question 19 year old OHLer production more than anything. I don’t think I’d pay more than. Late 3rd or early 4th for Florian.

Arber I simply don’t think is an effective NHL hockey player, and I also don’t believe your enforcer should be a dman.

You can’t particularly hide a dman as easily. And in xhekaj’s case I think his inability to provide value (at least so far) on either special teams unit REALLY limits what you can do.

It’s really forcing Mike Matheson into a massive role having to kill penalties. I look at NJDs roster for example and my thought is, “who kills penalties if we add Xhekaj”

As bad as Brendan smith may be, he can be hidden on forward, and his saving trait is that he is a truly elite penalty killer (because he doesn’t have to make any accurate passes).

If Arber can’t learn to kill penalties at an NHL level, I really question how Montreal incorporates both him and Hutson in and manages an effective PK. Already they VERY much struggle on the kill, and Xhekaj can’t crack it.


F. Xhekaj is worth what he was drafted last year, a high fourth.

A. Xhekaj has been really good since he got called up. He is good defensively (at least enough to not make goal costing mistakes) and provide a lot offensively with his good shot. He doesn’t have the potential to be more than a #4, but he is far from a player you try to hide. I wouldn’t be afraid to give him 20+min/night
Apr. 13 at 7:36 p.m.
#22
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Quoting: Black61
On a heater....

He has 13 points in 29 games lol


We already have a Caufield. We don't need to reunite Caufield/Zegras because one of those type of players on a line is already a liability.
The Habs dont need to become the Ducks, defensively.
Apr. 13 at 8:43 p.m.
#23
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Quoting: Andy_Dick
We already have a Caufield. We don't need to reunite Caufield/Zegras because one of those type of players on a line is already a liability.
The Habs dont need to become the Ducks, defensively.


1) Caufield now has 7 goals in his last 7 games.... so sign me up for another one!
2) Zegras has 6 points in his last 6 games. He's a plus 3 in that span. What plays was he "soft defensively" on?
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Apr. 13 at 11:48 p.m.
#24
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Quoting: jonh514
1) Caufield now has 7 goals in his last 7 games.... so sign me up for another one!
2) Zegras has 6 points in his last 6 games. He's a plus 3 in that span. What plays was he "soft defensively" on?


LOL I never said Caufield wasnt on a 'heater'
I, personally, love that my stalker likes every single post that replies to me no matter how innocuous. What a special guy. He's obviously my biggest fan. I dont even think to bother with anyone that interacts with him. This is the type of guy that donates money/time to Tai Lopez just to troll him LMAO
Apr. 14 at 5:31 p.m.
#25
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Quoting: jonh514
1) Caufield now has 7 goals in his last 7 games.... so sign me up for another one!
2) Zegras has 6 points in his last 6 games. He's a plus 3 in that span. What plays was he "soft defensively" on?


I'll also say that the Habs arent trading Xhekaj brothers or someone like Owen Beck whos the prototypical 3C that you win meaningful hockey not put up 'heater' stats when other teams are resting or pacing their stars at the end of the year,the hockey right now isnt typical NHL hockey. Believe it or not NHL'rs do pace themselves and coaches are playing the stars 14-15 minutes right now like Filip Forsberg for one, off the top of my head.

Zegras isnt close to worth what Ducks fans think he's worth because this is a team game and not an NHL video game.
I realize that they are fans of hockey team built around beating the powerhouse Iceland Hockey nation but they really have no clue what they talking about or simply delusional. Number 1 Habs lottery pick between 1-6 overall which will most likely be better than Zegras and a player that wins you hockey games like Owen Beck? As one simply ridiculous proposal in here.
What are we have even talking about here..

They want to give nothing up and think they'll just 'add to their core' no thanks enjoy the promise that the Senators and Sabres have showed with young players, awful culture and defensive collapses over and over.
The Ducks need an overhaul NOT delusional adding to a losing and flawed core. The Habs dont need to become the Ducks and you dont need to cater to a fan base that hasnt won anything since before smart phones.
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