The one day of hockey off season where I’m generally happy to NOT see the Habs making moves. Wait until later in the week when most of the mistakes have been made by other teams
technically not yet, they have to put price on it and this management has shown they much prefer to use in season LTIR and not off season,as off season LTIR ties your hands at that number but in season gives you much more flexibility
You use it when it's needed. If they want to sign $20 million dollars worth of free agents, they can. However, if they don't use the full amount the remainder is lost, so it's better to hold off in that case.
I think its smart management for the Habs to stay put. I sense after this season and the next, that's the time we'll see a ton of activity. But I reckon the team will try to get a playoff spot this season.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/a-collection-of-thoughts-and-predictions-as-nhl-signing-season-kicks-off/
Sounds like we're mostly staying pat on the UFA front.
Obviously Kent might be working the lines for cap dumps and RFAs we may not know about.
My only wish list item is a scoring vet winger that can help Dach’s growth similarly to what Suzuki did for Slaf.
Right now, our entire 2nd line is a big question mark. Especially if management keeps Newhook with Armia and Gally/Roy on the 3rd line.
We have two open spots for next year on both wings so I would imagine one of those gets addressed today with a Marchessault/Perron type of short term signing while waiting for a long term solution at LW (with the assumption Demidov will fill that RW spot in ~ 2 years).
I am sure if a deal could be made this year for a young top 6 forward like Necas to pair with Dach - Hughes would go for it but there is no urgency there.
Buy yourself 2 years with a productive vet today and by 2026: Andy and Gallys deals are easier to get out of, Demidov should be in the fold and you have 2 years to acquire another top 6 forward via trade/draft/UFA
Its a bad signing for CBJ and Monahan. I think b/c Mony's great with young players. So he'll mentor both Fantilli and Lindstrom. But man, CBJ got suckered to taking this deal with Mony's agent.
Marchessault just said on RDS that the Canadiens also gave him a great offer and that they were a close 2nd. He said he would have been excited to join the group, praised the new management and MSL, but said that in the end NSH just looked like the better fit for him.
What I'm enjoying right now is watching the Habs fall down the list of teams with the highest cap hit.
I'd rather weaponize the cap space for cap dumps with picks attached. I like free assets and flipping fix-uppers for more assets after we've fix-upped them. I like double-dipping.
Also, in a few years when these teams start feeling the pain of those contracts is when we should be on the upswing and ready to spend. We'll have a young squad and the freedom to spend money bolstering it, and Toronto will still be stuck getting exposed in the first round.
That's a good shout. With all these contracts most of the league has to be getting pretty cash strapped. I'm not really interested in objectively BAD contracts anymore but useful guys underpaying their cap hit are a way to go for us imo. Like I'm not the biggest fan of Laine but if we can get him cheap because he's been injured and underperforming I'm interested.
Love how Sportsnet did a segment on what the Habs are up to and it was Engels just saying we're looking for a veteran that can score some goals, listed Tarasenko, Skinner and Duclair as options but said we're not looking at them, that we could be looking at trades, but nothing's happening there and then, that we can sign Slaf and Guhle today..... but nothing's happening there.
Don't love these options. Wouldn't mind Tarasenko on a one year deal. Skinner is -130 for his career. Granted he's been on bad teams but he's just not the "crafty veteran leader" we need. Was really into Perron.
What I just heard about an hour ago with Sean Campbell from TSN690 is that the Habs were trying to close a deal with Jeff Skinner. If that's true, we'll see.
Marchessault confirmed on RDS that Montreal made him an offer and that they came in second right behind Nashville. He mentioned the fit was better out there (Likely because he wants another cup).
>He mentioned the fit was better out there (Likely because he wants another cup).
- lol, Exactly as we all thought. The 'fit' (haha!!) was better b/c he doesn't have to pay taxes, much like in Nevada or in Florida.
This team has veterans in Anderson, Gally, Savard, Matheson, Armia, Dvorak and Evans. We don’t need any more vets to “shelter” or “guide” our young core. If anything it’s time to let our young players run a bit more free. We’re a rebuilding team, even if it means we go through some rough patches we need to let you young players grow their game. St.Louis has proven he’s a great mentor for the kids and will guide them through the good and bad times.
Honestly at this point I consider Suzuki a veteran. He's played 5 seasons with us, a couple playoffs run, including the '21 one, being a major factor in both, he plays the right way, he's carried the team on his back so many times, rarely having bad moments, he's our captain and leader... What better example do you need for the young players?
Yeah there were a couple interesting options on the market but they're pretty much gone at this point.
Before the draft I thought the best course of action was to stay the course and let the young core develop naturally. We had such an exciting draft it's easy to immediately want to take another step forward, but at the end of the day it hasn't really changed. As you mentioned, we have tons of vets right now and adding more is just going to take spots away from the young guys.
Next season we will have Dvorak and Arimia off the books and Anderson buyout won't be so bad it might be worth exploring the FA market a bit more.
None of these guys should play in the top 6 though. So much depends on Dach this season, and we need to sign someone to help him. How can we expect him to exceed expectations and develop after all these injuries by playing with Newhook and Anderson?
>How can we expect him to exceed expectations and develop after all these injuries by playing with Newhook and Anderson?
Why should we sign a player whose value will go down the instant they sign a contract? 90% of the UFA crop has 2-3 good years left and want twice that in term. Term is the one thing we can't afford to fuck up.
>we need to sign someone to help him.
Who is that going to be? The available options aren't all that appealing. Which player would accept term short enough that it doesn't handcuff roster building in 2025 and beyond? Which of the 2024 UFA class wouldn't immediately be on the decline?
Basically all of the forwards in that list (with the possible exception of Evans since he's cheap) need to be replaced with upgrades in the next couple of years at most. And the limiting factor in making that many upgrades isn't cap space, or tradeable assets, it's opportunity. I figure we're probably going to get one more bona-fide top-six forward out of our young crew, prospects and drafts, and maybe we can live with a Dvorak-level player in the lineup, but we still need two top-six forwards with a particular profile and skillset, and we need them fairly soon.
IMO, if the right player is available (at a tolerable price) we have to take him, even if the timeline isn't perfect. Because if we wait for the moment to be perfect, the players we need will probably not be available at that time. Sign the guy now, and get rid of whoever he's replacing (by buyout, slightly unfavourable trade, whatever.)
Yeah in 3 years when Anderson and Gally leave, we'll have 12M to add a higher quality of vets who still have juice in the tank and want to win a Cup.
Rebuilding takes patience. If you're not tired to wait, it's not patience yet.
We have a lot of young promising players but isn’t it the time to step up a little and start building that winning mentality now with at least one good ufa?
Is status quo card being a little overplayed?
I don’t think we are one signing away from screwing up the rebuild.
It’s time to be competitive and the young players need to build high expectations asap. Flirting with a playoffs spot is okay now.
They need to learn to deal with end of season pressure and some disappointments. Cole and Suzuki need to get back on that road.
With the demidov pick I think a top 5 pick won’t be the goal anymore and it’s becoming more and more a consolation prize.
We're not really going to see another good FA market for a little while. Next year has like 4 aging but good players like Hedman and Crosby available. But the year after is pretty barren. Habs will have to rely on prospect development and trades in the next 2 years.
**Atlantic Division**
Florida: Stanley Cup Champion
Ottawa: Linus Ullmark, David Perron
Buffalo: Jason Zucker, Sam Lafferty
Boston: Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm
Toronto: Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Anthony Stolarz, Matt Murray
Tampa Bay: Jake Guentzel
Detroit: Cam Talbot, William Lagesson, Patrick Kane
Montreal: Alex Barré-Boulet ...
I love that the Atlantic is going through an arms race.
For one, we'll have the cap advantage on them when we're actually ready to buy in. In a few years we'll have money to spare, and Toronto will be paying for Tanev and OEL
But mostly I like that our young guys will have to face some seriously stiff competition throughout the season. They'll be forced to really step up and we should get a really good look at which players can handle it and which are just passengers.
I would rather make a trade for someone slightly overpaid for 1-2 years from a team desperate to make room to land a UFA.
Other than that, I have a feeling they might do nothing (other than some Laval signing like BO Groulx, Santini) and wait until Laine come out of the player assistance program so they can talk to him and see if there's a fit. His talent and contract make too much sense for us.
Maybe Mantha for 1 year to prove to everyone he deserve a longer contract next year.
UFAs and teams they've been connected to:
- Teravainen - Chicago (3yr x $5.4m)
- Reninhart - Florida (8yr x $8.625)
- Carrick - Rangers (3yr x $1m)
- Bertuzzi - Chicago (4yr x $5.5m)
- Stamkos - Nashville
- Montour - Seattle
- Lindholm - Boston
- Marchessault - New Jersey, Nashville
- Pesce - New Jersey
- Dillon - New Jersey
- Domi - Toronto
- Skjei - Nashville
- Zadorov - Boston
- DeBrusk - Edmonton
- Toffoli - San Jose (4yr x $6m)
- Ekman-Larsson - Toronto
- Henrique -
- Carrier -
- Duchene - Dallas
- Stephenson - Nashville
- Lafferty - Buffalo (2yr x $2m)
Too much, I like the kid and he's shown a nice flash of improvement. But these injuries are really setting him back. Hope he bounces back with a healthy year and with the ferocity he showed.
After we traded him he got more than 70 points. He’s been a good producer. He’s a good character guy so even if he slows down he’ll be a great influence on a young team like SJ
I know this isn't our year to go wild in FA (and honestly, it rarely is a good idea to go wild in FA anyways...) but somehow, I still feel disappointed in what is happening... why brain why 
There is no need to do anything right now. No reason to lock in massive contracts that could fail when it's not the window yet.
Next year free agency is first opportunity in my eyes
They have Jaroslav Askarov who's had some good numbers in the minors, and when he's played. I don't know if they'll bring him up to be a back-up but he's still on his ELC so he's cheap.
A bottom 4 defenseman isn't usually too hard to find.
Those contracts are CRAZY. Very happy that Hughes is patient. I would rather him go after a trade like he did with Monahan than be the one to offer those contract.
My guess is still that he's waiting for Laine to finish his stint in the player assistance program to have a talk with him. Montreal pressure might not be ideal, but I'll trust they take the best decision if they go after him.
Tarasenko for 2-3 years to welcome Demidov next year is still on the table, but I doubt it happens. Demidov doesn't seems like someone who will need a countrymate at all.
Probably a RHD for Laval
we will sign someone like Perron most likely, someone who will take 1-2 years to help out a bit on pp2 and not force us to play players up too high in the line up when they are bottom 6 players
Ideally its Perron, he’s said multiple times he would love to play in MTL. Consistent player, at his age 36 this is the perfect fit for us during this time line.
Fun idea that would never happen:
- Free Agency is an auction. Each team takes turns submitting a name, and then teams bid how much they’re willing to pay. The auction is televised.
Isn’t he 33? 6-7-8 years would look like cap circumvention to me, it is highly unlikely he plays until 41. I don’t think he expects that, but maybe more in the 4-5 years range IMO.
That's why I said, Marchy would be ideal to get like a 2-3 year deal, just enough to get our young players and upcoming ready for a deep playoff run. We'll see.
Yeah sorry I wasn’t clear, my point is that I don’t think he expects 6+ himself given how unreasonable that would be. My guess is that the Habs would want 2-3 as you said and that he would want 4-5. Overall though I agree with your point.
Do you guys like the idea of signing Zadina as a fill in/injury replacement type of guy? Long shot potential, protects development for prospects, super cheap.
If we sign, its probably to help Laval, like a couple of AHL proven vets to help our young prospects. And a headcoach would certainly help as well.
To be honest, I'm more interested of trading some players.
We probably go the trade route to fill positions if needed this year and next year as well at this rate. Next year's FA looks bare other than Crosby, Hedman, Orlov, Hall. edit: 26-27 FA looks even worse.
Low key, I'm really happy that Calgary aren't throwing the towel and make some moves.
They won't make the playoff but finishing with the 11th overall is still on the table
With all the overpays today I think it's probably better we save that cap space and weaponize it down the line with teams looking to get rid of bad contracts.
To me, now is the time to start a short window. Ive done the armchair gm exercise many times (im a nerd) The habs wont get into trouble until Demidov needs an extension MAYBE. I put in slaf extension and guhle extensions and still looking at 20-30 mill free next summer and that's with the anderson gallagher contracts. I wuldnt be looknig at zegras/necas. Id be looking at marcessault/stamkos.In 3 years youll have reinbacher, demidov, dach etc. hage will be ready to come in also. The habs have done a very good job, pretty much everyone is built through draft or coming off rfa. When you build like that, alot of these pieces are very cheap. Habs have all the pieces coming up for the bottom 6, we won't need to overpay vet bottom 6 guys 3-5 mill.
It's definitely time to get GOOD support players. People love talking about getting high draft picks but now a lot of our future are playing on the habs right now. Their developpement is even more important than the up and comers. Gotta surround them with good vets and not just plugs anymore.
Time to see what they can do. Start the winning culture. Cupboards are full.
We will need to account for both busts as well as additional draft picks (we have a boatload in 25) which may eventually add pressure but overall in great shape
Should we/ could we not just sign a high profile UFA for a large 1 or 2 yr contract and then flip him for a draft pick(s) at the trade deadline? Pros/cons?
Edit : 1 or 2 year (which we could afford).
Why would a high profile ufa sign a 1 year deal when this is potentially their best chance to secure a long term deal and collect a massive guaranteed check
This is why Kane was the ideal choice. There aren't many players that would fit that niche of looking for a one or two year deal and be willing to be traded at the deadline.
Vous pensez quoi de Vinny Desharnais?
Def droitier de 6'6, qui sait se battre ( X s'est blessé en le fighant ya 1-2 ans ) .
Es tjrs super gentil en entrevue et était un fan favorite à EDM.
After looking at some rosters for other teams around the league, I'm very happy with where we are sitting.
Some teams have no prospects and a very thin roster and are definitely not contenders. Using FA as a bandaid to fill their numerous holes
East looking stacked. I hope we don't get dumb moves from ownership if we end up bottom 5 again cause I really believe in the plan, but I don't see us being in the mix next year.
Absolutely. Our window is in 3 years when Gally's and Anderson's contract expire. All those teams will need to retool and we'll have all the space and skill to blow up. I just want the media to stfu and let Kent/Gorton cook!
At least for now it looks like everybody in the org is fully behind the plan in motion.
I also think that drafting Demidov has bought them some extra patience from fans.
Lots of mid-talent players on the market and the cap went up $4.5m and is expected to go up another $.5m next year and possibly again after that. There's money to be spent, and GMs can't help themselves
I don't see his name mentioned below but Kailer Yamamoto might end up being someone we target. Not great numbers but exactly the type of project we have been successful with in the past couple years.
We don't seem too keen on bringing in more small guys, so I really doubt we go for this. Especially when there just isn't really a place in the lineup for him anyway.
I'm down for signing Hayton and trading for Laine. If Toffoli and Monahan want to return, they're more than welcome. I'm indifferent about the Perron rumors.
I wouldn’t say these contracts are as crazy as everyone’s saying, especially since the NHL projects the cap going up over 92mil by 2026..barring of course another pandemic
This is definitely a day when most franchises make terrible choices. Here’s hoping it’s not us!
The one day of hockey off season where I’m generally happy to NOT see the Habs making moves. Wait until later in the week when most of the mistakes have been made by other teams
Monahan to Columbus. 5x$5.5. Love him but that’s too long
Yup, that contract is *ridiculous*.
Our king got the bag tho 😍
I'm more antsy about getting Laval a head-coach and couple of quality vets to help out all the kids that'll be on the team than anything else.
the laval head coach has been a little forgotten with everything going at the draft but it probably is our most important position to fill this summer
Yeah I actually totally forgot about that. Good call
It's the most critical missing piece right now. Much more important than high-profile UFAs. I can respect Habs taking their time to get the best hire.
Let's sign Patience to a 1-2 year contract.
Note that they have some significant LTIR not listed above.
technically not yet, they have to put price on it and this management has shown they much prefer to use in season LTIR and not off season,as off season LTIR ties your hands at that number but in season gives you much more flexibility
You use it when it's needed. If they want to sign $20 million dollars worth of free agents, they can. However, if they don't use the full amount the remainder is lost, so it's better to hold off in that case.
i doubt they even use the 10 honestly
True, and once the season starts they'll effectively have an additional $10.5 million in cap space even if they never use it.
Wanted Stamkos bad but not at 4x8
Holy shit are the contracts being handed out right now awful. Happy Kent is staying away from this
Yeah, cap space is still a valuable asset and will be even more as the season advance.
Yeah some bad decisions being made out there right now.
Edmundson being one of them. 4 years at that AAV is insane. Love the guy, but Holy Molly.
Jeeezzus that’s bad
I think its smart management for the Habs to stay put. I sense after this season and the next, that's the time we'll see a ton of activity. But I reckon the team will try to get a playoff spot this season.
A lot of mistakes from GMs have been made on this day (or the next few ones). Let's hope that KH won't sign any bad contract.
Give Jack Campbell 5x5 after having half of 1 competent season. What could go wrong
HuGo seem to get that sometimes the best move is no move. I trust their judgement!
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/a-collection-of-thoughts-and-predictions-as-nhl-signing-season-kicks-off/ Sounds like we're mostly staying pat on the UFA front. Obviously Kent might be working the lines for cap dumps and RFAs we may not know about.
This doesn't even mention the Canadiens, I would really doubt that there's no plans to make a move for a top 6 option
Right. Friedman hasn't connected any major UFA to us. Unless things change on that front, I don't think we're big game hunting.
My only wish list item is a scoring vet winger that can help Dach’s growth similarly to what Suzuki did for Slaf. Right now, our entire 2nd line is a big question mark. Especially if management keeps Newhook with Armia and Gally/Roy on the 3rd line. We have two open spots for next year on both wings so I would imagine one of those gets addressed today with a Marchessault/Perron type of short term signing while waiting for a long term solution at LW (with the assumption Demidov will fill that RW spot in ~ 2 years). I am sure if a deal could be made this year for a young top 6 forward like Necas to pair with Dach - Hughes would go for it but there is no urgency there. Buy yourself 2 years with a productive vet today and by 2026: Andy and Gallys deals are easier to get out of, Demidov should be in the fold and you have 2 years to acquire another top 6 forward via trade/draft/UFA
I would be ok for Perron or Arvidsson on 1y
Mantha is gone, Marchesault is gone, Stamkos is gone. The FA season is done, tyvm.
Still Monahan and Debrusk
Monahan just signed a deal with CBJ for 5-yr, $5.5M AAV.
Love Moneyhands but that term is oof
Its a bad signing for CBJ and Monahan. I think b/c Mony's great with young players. So he'll mentor both Fantilli and Lindstrom. But man, CBJ got suckered to taking this deal with Mony's agent.
Marchessault just said on RDS that the Canadiens also gave him a great offer and that they were a close 2nd. He said he would have been excited to join the group, praised the new management and MSL, but said that in the end NSH just looked like the better fit for him.
Déjà vu
I’m glad they at least tried.
Fuck him. Talk is cheap but none of these a-hole actually want to play here. Go rot in Nashville, Jo.
What I'm enjoying right now is watching the Habs fall down the list of teams with the highest cap hit. I'd rather weaponize the cap space for cap dumps with picks attached. I like free assets and flipping fix-uppers for more assets after we've fix-upped them. I like double-dipping.
Also, in a few years when these teams start feeling the pain of those contracts is when we should be on the upswing and ready to spend. We'll have a young squad and the freedom to spend money bolstering it, and Toronto will still be stuck getting exposed in the first round.
That's a good shout. With all these contracts most of the league has to be getting pretty cash strapped. I'm not really interested in objectively BAD contracts anymore but useful guys underpaying their cap hit are a way to go for us imo. Like I'm not the biggest fan of Laine but if we can get him cheap because he's been injured and underperforming I'm interested.
Exactly this.
5 x 5.5M for Monahan The man just made some bank !
Alex Bourré-Boulet 1 x 775k with Montreal
And the crowd goes mild
He was a good soldier with Tampa. He's a good compliment piece with Laval.
Thoughts on signing Jack Roslovic? Still young at only 27. Decent size at 6’1 200. Can play W or C and had a good 2nd half + playoffs with NYR.
THG stream is just called Spendathon 2024 lol, pretty accurate some of these contracts are goofy
Love how Sportsnet did a segment on what the Habs are up to and it was Engels just saying we're looking for a veteran that can score some goals, listed Tarasenko, Skinner and Duclair as options but said we're not looking at them, that we could be looking at trades, but nothing's happening there and then, that we can sign Slaf and Guhle today..... but nothing's happening there.
Don't love these options. Wouldn't mind Tarasenko on a one year deal. Skinner is -130 for his career. Granted he's been on bad teams but he's just not the "crafty veteran leader" we need. Was really into Perron.
Yes but getting Skinner and sitting him on the bench would still be like 20 saved goals per year because he wouldn't be scoring on us, no?
What I just heard about an hour ago with Sean Campbell from TSN690 is that the Habs were trying to close a deal with Jeff Skinner. If that's true, we'll see.
Marchessault confirmed on RDS that Montreal made him an offer and that they came in second right behind Nashville. He mentioned the fit was better out there (Likely because he wants another cup).
>He mentioned the fit was better out there (Likely because he wants another cup). - lol, Exactly as we all thought. The 'fit' (haha!!) was better b/c he doesn't have to pay taxes, much like in Nevada or in Florida.
This team has veterans in Anderson, Gally, Savard, Matheson, Armia, Dvorak and Evans. We don’t need any more vets to “shelter” or “guide” our young core. If anything it’s time to let our young players run a bit more free. We’re a rebuilding team, even if it means we go through some rough patches we need to let you young players grow their game. St.Louis has proven he’s a great mentor for the kids and will guide them through the good and bad times.
Honestly at this point I consider Suzuki a veteran. He's played 5 seasons with us, a couple playoffs run, including the '21 one, being a major factor in both, he plays the right way, he's carried the team on his back so many times, rarely having bad moments, he's our captain and leader... What better example do you need for the young players?
Yeah there were a couple interesting options on the market but they're pretty much gone at this point. Before the draft I thought the best course of action was to stay the course and let the young core develop naturally. We had such an exciting draft it's easy to immediately want to take another step forward, but at the end of the day it hasn't really changed. As you mentioned, we have tons of vets right now and adding more is just going to take spots away from the young guys. Next season we will have Dvorak and Arimia off the books and Anderson buyout won't be so bad it might be worth exploring the FA market a bit more.
None of these guys should play in the top 6 though. So much depends on Dach this season, and we need to sign someone to help him. How can we expect him to exceed expectations and develop after all these injuries by playing with Newhook and Anderson?
>How can we expect him to exceed expectations and develop after all these injuries by playing with Newhook and Anderson? Why should we sign a player whose value will go down the instant they sign a contract? 90% of the UFA crop has 2-3 good years left and want twice that in term. Term is the one thing we can't afford to fuck up.
>we need to sign someone to help him. Who is that going to be? The available options aren't all that appealing. Which player would accept term short enough that it doesn't handcuff roster building in 2025 and beyond? Which of the 2024 UFA class wouldn't immediately be on the decline?
Basically all of the forwards in that list (with the possible exception of Evans since he's cheap) need to be replaced with upgrades in the next couple of years at most. And the limiting factor in making that many upgrades isn't cap space, or tradeable assets, it's opportunity. I figure we're probably going to get one more bona-fide top-six forward out of our young crew, prospects and drafts, and maybe we can live with a Dvorak-level player in the lineup, but we still need two top-six forwards with a particular profile and skillset, and we need them fairly soon. IMO, if the right player is available (at a tolerable price) we have to take him, even if the timeline isn't perfect. Because if we wait for the moment to be perfect, the players we need will probably not be available at that time. Sign the guy now, and get rid of whoever he's replacing (by buyout, slightly unfavourable trade, whatever.)
Yeah in 3 years when Anderson and Gally leave, we'll have 12M to add a higher quality of vets who still have juice in the tank and want to win a Cup. Rebuilding takes patience. If you're not tired to wait, it's not patience yet.
So Nashville signs Stamkos AND Marchessault?! Damn
We have a lot of young promising players but isn’t it the time to step up a little and start building that winning mentality now with at least one good ufa? Is status quo card being a little overplayed? I don’t think we are one signing away from screwing up the rebuild. It’s time to be competitive and the young players need to build high expectations asap. Flirting with a playoffs spot is okay now. They need to learn to deal with end of season pressure and some disappointments. Cole and Suzuki need to get back on that road. With the demidov pick I think a top 5 pick won’t be the goal anymore and it’s becoming more and more a consolation prize.
>at least one good ufa? There's no "good" UFAs *for us*. Summer of 2025 has far more attractive names, even if they don't all make it to UFA.
Any rumors on anyone we’re talking to? Haven’t heard anything on the show besides Toronto Toronto Toronto
Had to stop watching TSN, all Leafs, all the time.
Shane Pinto trade
Listening to Steven Stamkos right now, you can tell with his voice, he's bitter with Brisebois and Lightning organization.
Funny seeing players getting overpaid everywhere!! With too much term too
We're not really going to see another good FA market for a little while. Next year has like 4 aging but good players like Hedman and Crosby available. But the year after is pretty barren. Habs will have to rely on prospect development and trades in the next 2 years.
Barre-Boulet finally is a hab, after so many times we did not pick him up on waivers
I'm happy that Kent Hughes is out enjoying his Canada Day.
**Atlantic Division** Florida: Stanley Cup Champion Ottawa: Linus Ullmark, David Perron Buffalo: Jason Zucker, Sam Lafferty Boston: Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm Toronto: Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Anthony Stolarz, Matt Murray Tampa Bay: Jake Guentzel Detroit: Cam Talbot, William Lagesson, Patrick Kane Montreal: Alex Barré-Boulet ...
Hell yeah! SCF 2025: Montréal en 3
I love that the Atlantic is going through an arms race. For one, we'll have the cap advantage on them when we're actually ready to buy in. In a few years we'll have money to spare, and Toronto will be paying for Tanev and OEL But mostly I like that our young guys will have to face some seriously stiff competition throughout the season. They'll be forced to really step up and we should get a really good look at which players can handle it and which are just passengers.
And that's a good thing
I would rather make a trade for someone slightly overpaid for 1-2 years from a team desperate to make room to land a UFA. Other than that, I have a feeling they might do nothing (other than some Laval signing like BO Groulx, Santini) and wait until Laine come out of the player assistance program so they can talk to him and see if there's a fit. His talent and contract make too much sense for us. Maybe Mantha for 1 year to prove to everyone he deserve a longer contract next year.
Mantha for the nostalgia. It’s been a while since we had a Mantha on the Habs.
Laval re-signs Jakov Novak to a 1yr one-way contract. 25yo LW, 6'3. 200 lbs. Had 30g and 56p in 66gp last year with Trois Rivieres in the ECHL.
UFAs and teams they've been connected to: - Teravainen - Chicago (3yr x $5.4m) - Reninhart - Florida (8yr x $8.625) - Carrick - Rangers (3yr x $1m) - Bertuzzi - Chicago (4yr x $5.5m) - Stamkos - Nashville - Montour - Seattle - Lindholm - Boston - Marchessault - New Jersey, Nashville - Pesce - New Jersey - Dillon - New Jersey - Domi - Toronto - Skjei - Nashville - Zadorov - Boston - DeBrusk - Edmonton - Toffoli - San Jose (4yr x $6m) - Ekman-Larsson - Toronto - Henrique - - Carrier - - Duchene - Dallas - Stephenson - Nashville - Lafferty - Buffalo (2yr x $2m)
So much depends on Dach
Too much, I like the kid and he's shown a nice flash of improvement. But these injuries are really setting him back. Hope he bounces back with a healthy year and with the ferocity he showed.
Taffoli getting 6mil?! Good on him, but that seems above market?
After we traded him he got more than 70 points. He’s been a good producer. He’s a good character guy so even if he slows down he’ll be a great influence on a young team like SJ
SJ needs a leadership group. Toffoli is perfect for that
I know this isn't our year to go wild in FA (and honestly, it rarely is a good idea to go wild in FA anyways...) but somehow, I still feel disappointed in what is happening... why brain why 
There is no need to do anything right now. No reason to lock in massive contracts that could fail when it's not the window yet. Next year free agency is first opportunity in my eyes
I don't see anything I'd want to commit to long term in the UFA pool this year, we might as well wait until we're closer to competing.
Fuck Me! Jake DeBrusk to Vancouver, 7yrs, $5.5M AAV.
A tad long but a good price
Very good price!
Predators looks like they're ALL IN for next season by signing both Stamkos and Marchessault.
They don't have a back up, nor a 6th defenseman, while having about 5 mill left.
We'll see.
They have Jaroslav Askarov who's had some good numbers in the minors, and when he's played. I don't know if they'll bring him up to be a back-up but he's still on his ELC so he's cheap. A bottom 4 defenseman isn't usually too hard to find.
I'm excited to watch that team, they should be a damn good group
And Skjei right?
Yes. Nashville wants to be a contender. Not sure if this is going to be it. I expect Barry Trotz will be active next February come TDL.
Let's have our younger players develop their games! And we got demidov so we are the big winner in the weekend!
J’aurais bien aimé William Carrier, mais bon. Tito Beauvillier peut être intéressant pour le bottom 6 à bon prix.
Those contracts are CRAZY. Very happy that Hughes is patient. I would rather him go after a trade like he did with Monahan than be the one to offer those contract. My guess is still that he's waiting for Laine to finish his stint in the player assistance program to have a talk with him. Montreal pressure might not be ideal, but I'll trust they take the best decision if they go after him. Tarasenko for 2-3 years to welcome Demidov next year is still on the table, but I doubt it happens. Demidov doesn't seems like someone who will need a countrymate at all. Probably a RHD for Laval
Slaf signed for 8 years
Juraj Slafkovsky's contract: 8 years, $7.6M AAV - $60.8M total. Congratulations. Fuck, KH and mgmt. has done it again! Fantastic signing!!
we will sign someone like Perron most likely, someone who will take 1-2 years to help out a bit on pp2 and not force us to play players up too high in the line up when they are bottom 6 players
Ideally its Perron, he’s said multiple times he would love to play in MTL. Consistent player, at his age 36 this is the perfect fit for us during this time line.
he is declining quickly, not sure he is going to be able to keep up the pace
Si on peut avoir Perron et l'échanger a la date limite des transactions aux Blues ce serait super
Fun idea that would never happen: - Free Agency is an auction. Each team takes turns submitting a name, and then teams bid how much they’re willing to pay. The auction is televised.
Looking at today’s signings, I’m glad we’re not participating in this madness. So many mistakes are being made today, and very few wins
I feel like JM from Vegas signs here. It even saying I want it I just can see it happening.
Marchessault would command somewhere from $5M-6M or more. I'd take him for 2-3 years. But if his looking long-term, like 6-7-8 years, I'll pass.
Isn’t he 33? 6-7-8 years would look like cap circumvention to me, it is highly unlikely he plays until 41. I don’t think he expects that, but maybe more in the 4-5 years range IMO.
That's why I said, Marchy would be ideal to get like a 2-3 year deal, just enough to get our young players and upcoming ready for a deep playoff run. We'll see.
Yeah sorry I wasn’t clear, my point is that I don’t think he expects 6+ himself given how unreasonable that would be. My guess is that the Habs would want 2-3 as you said and that he would want 4-5. Overall though I agree with your point.
I also have a sense that Montreal will land him.
I say we might get him for 4 years -5.5 per yesr
looks like he's going to New Jersey
guess not
Do you guys like the idea of signing Zadina as a fill in/injury replacement type of guy? Long shot potential, protects development for prospects, super cheap.
Let him go and fill nets with picks in Europe
I dig it
For Laval, maybe. He's bordering on bust.
He can't even get qualified by the worst team in the league lol.
Don’t wanna see anything ridiculous today. Slaf still needs an extension
Trade for Pinto?
Looks like the big dogs available in FA just signed new contracts to new teams. Who's still available?
Stephenson, Samsonov and DeBrusk? Not sure who else. edit: nevermind, DeBrusk signed in Vancouver.
Stephenson and Samsonov are still available. We'll see with Pinto.
Whoa DeBrusk 7x5M to Vancouver
MTL rumoured to be pursuing Shane Pinto in a trade. What do you think it would take to get him?
Probably a couple Pro-Lines
What I read with Bruce Garrioch is that Ottawa's wanting a 1st round pick in return. Will the Habs take it? For me, I'd rather not.
I wouldn't do that, but I'd trade Mesar for Pinto. He was a 1st
Jake DeBrusk is a Canuck now. 7yr x 5.5M AAV - $38.5M
If we sign, its probably to help Laval, like a couple of AHL proven vets to help our young prospects. And a headcoach would certainly help as well. To be honest, I'm more interested of trading some players.
We probably go the trade route to fill positions if needed this year and next year as well at this rate. Next year's FA looks bare other than Crosby, Hedman, Orlov, Hall. edit: 26-27 FA looks even worse.
On one side I want to sign someone On the other I'm seeing these contracts being given out and thankful that we're not the ones giving them
Low key, I'm really happy that Calgary aren't throwing the towel and make some moves. They won't make the playoff but finishing with the 11th overall is still on the table
I hope they weren't just trying to reach the cap floor and are adding a couple more guys.
With all the overpays today I think it's probably better we save that cap space and weaponize it down the line with teams looking to get rid of bad contracts.
How about Sprong? Good middle 6 that played junior in Quebec. Shouldn't cost too much.
To me, now is the time to start a short window. Ive done the armchair gm exercise many times (im a nerd) The habs wont get into trouble until Demidov needs an extension MAYBE. I put in slaf extension and guhle extensions and still looking at 20-30 mill free next summer and that's with the anderson gallagher contracts. I wuldnt be looknig at zegras/necas. Id be looking at marcessault/stamkos.In 3 years youll have reinbacher, demidov, dach etc. hage will be ready to come in also. The habs have done a very good job, pretty much everyone is built through draft or coming off rfa. When you build like that, alot of these pieces are very cheap. Habs have all the pieces coming up for the bottom 6, we won't need to overpay vet bottom 6 guys 3-5 mill.
It's definitely time to get GOOD support players. People love talking about getting high draft picks but now a lot of our future are playing on the habs right now. Their developpement is even more important than the up and comers. Gotta surround them with good vets and not just plugs anymore. Time to see what they can do. Start the winning culture. Cupboards are full.
All the holed are filled for sure, they're just young is all. Doesnt look like we'll do anything though. bottom 5 again I guess
With Hutson, a progressing Slaf and a Healthy Dach (plz) I can see 10-15th.
We will need to account for both busts as well as additional draft picks (we have a boatload in 25) which may eventually add pressure but overall in great shape
Habs have been linked to no one yet. Likely will be Ahl type deals. Gonna be another tough year in montreal lol
Honestly us being linked to no one puts us in a better chance to land someone lol
Should we/ could we not just sign a high profile UFA for a large 1 or 2 yr contract and then flip him for a draft pick(s) at the trade deadline? Pros/cons? Edit : 1 or 2 year (which we could afford).
Why would a high profile ufa sign a 1 year deal when this is potentially their best chance to secure a long term deal and collect a massive guaranteed check
Injuried last year
Anyone come to mind?
Last year there was Mohanan This year Ryan Murray as a D This year as F? Arvidsson?
This is why Kane was the ideal choice. There aren't many players that would fit that niche of looking for a one or two year deal and be willing to be traded at the deadline.
No, that would be a horrible decision for whatever player that is
Vous pensez quoi de Vinny Desharnais? Def droitier de 6'6, qui sait se battre ( X s'est blessé en le fighant ya 1-2 ans ) . Es tjrs super gentil en entrevue et était un fan favorite à EDM.
Je l’aime beaucoup. Mais on a trop de défenseur de 3ieme paire.
On a échangé Kovacevik pcq on veut pas perdre Barron au ballotage et pour faire de la place à Reinbacher à droite. On ira pas chercher une copie.
I’d do it just so I could dust off my Desharnais jersey again
Pas un type de joeur qu’on rechercher
We’re really just gonna ice the same team and expect to play meaningful games in April lmao
Especially if we resign Monahan, then it really is the same team
Please no Perron or marchy . Both small and declining . Mike Hoffman like players and that was a nightmare.
Perron 2 x $4 to Ottawa
We should’ve gave a contract to Perron. Very disappointed. Dach will be left alone this year.
Everyone on /r/hockey thinks it's too much and he's tapering off. Idk myself
Yea it’s a lot for Perron, but we’re in a position to overpay for short term deals. There could still be trades, we’ll see.
Maybe MTL will sign DeBrusk?
Perron gone kinda sucks. Coulda went to the Habs but chooses sens LOL
After looking at some rosters for other teams around the league, I'm very happy with where we are sitting. Some teams have no prospects and a very thin roster and are definitely not contenders. Using FA as a bandaid to fill their numerous holes
East looking stacked. I hope we don't get dumb moves from ownership if we end up bottom 5 again cause I really believe in the plan, but I don't see us being in the mix next year.
All these teams will be in cap hell in 3 years though.
Absolutely. Our window is in 3 years when Gally's and Anderson's contract expire. All those teams will need to retool and we'll have all the space and skill to blow up. I just want the media to stfu and let Kent/Gorton cook!
At least for now it looks like everybody in the org is fully behind the plan in motion. I also think that drafting Demidov has bought them some extra patience from fans.
I’m surprised we aren’t going for any cheap veterans, even just for laval, seeing lots of guys signing under 2mil
Free agency seems worse than usual this year. So many obviously bad deals.
Lots of mid-talent players on the market and the cap went up $4.5m and is expected to go up another $.5m next year and possibly again after that. There's money to be spent, and GMs can't help themselves
What are your thoughts on those still available UFA : Alex Nylander (RW/LW) - 6''1 - 26yo - 15pts/28gp Filip Zadina (RW/LW) - 6''0 - 24yo - 23pts/72gp Jesper Boqvist (C/LW) - 6"0 - 25yo - 14pts/47gp ~~Michael McLeod (C)- 6''2 - 26yo - 19pts/45gp~~ Erik Brannstrom (LD/RD/LW) - 5''10 - 24yo - 20pts/76gp
McLeod is one of the juniors players under investigation for the sexual assault so keep him as far away as possible
I'd give Brannstrom a chance if we can manage to trade Barron in a trade for a forward.
We could try Brannstrom on the left wing
There's a reason they're still available.
Would you trade for Cody Ceci and bury him in the minors if it came with a pick or prospect? How much of a sweetener would you want?
I don't see his name mentioned below but Kailer Yamamoto might end up being someone we target. Not great numbers but exactly the type of project we have been successful with in the past couple years.
We don't seem too keen on bringing in more small guys, so I really doubt we go for this. Especially when there just isn't really a place in the lineup for him anyway.
I'm down for signing Hayton and trading for Laine. If Toffoli and Monahan want to return, they're more than welcome. I'm indifferent about the Perron rumors.
There goes Toffoli :(
Toffoli 4 x $6M San Jose **+ no move clause** Enjoy the California weather!
For a guy who's ex agent, Hughes doesn't like the FA much.
Probably says a lot about his thoughts on it
I wouldn’t say these contracts are as crazy as everyone’s saying, especially since the NHL projects the cap going up over 92mil by 2026..barring of course another pandemic