Bergevin was at the Marlies game today.. Probably scouting some of our prospects to see if there is a fit for a 1v1 swap for either Thomas, or Bournival..
I wonder if they'd do either:
Abott for Bournival
Or
McKegg for Thomas
I think McKegg is as close as you can come to a straight across deal for Thomas. Same age, same draft (22 spots apart), same post draft spike, before falling back to earth the next season and both need waivers next year and likely hit the wire.
McKegg is a little bigger, has produced a little better at the AHL level and is a center. Thomas has a bit more NHL experience and may be a little more projectable to a bottom-6/depth role as a speedy, spark plug, like Kozun.
Bournival has been up in the NHL since last season and he's 22. I find it more difficult to find comparable value for him that I'd give up. As, I don't really want to take away from the top half of the prospect pool at all. I think Frattin might make the most sense, I could see a smaller team like Montreal potentially giving up the few extra RFA years between the two, to get a bigger and stronger depth option for their playoff run. Tyler Biggs might also make sense, if Montreal wants to take a longer term approach on a different type of player.
Edit - Maybe add Frattin + Biggs together for Bournival + expiring contract.