Player Discussion Nikita Scherbak - Stay In Yo Lane Edition

[1909]

Curious... Does drafting Zadina make Scherbak expendable? Both are Left handed shots that play off wing. Or do we simply move Scherbak to LW to replace patch after we trade him?

Re-Tool Strategy... The best realistic forward line-up I can come up with. And Shaw and Byron will be missing camp too! So that's a spot for Hudon and Carr. Vejdemo could surprise but I can see him going to Europe for one more year. Hope we are able to convince him to play in the AHL for one year though to get use to the NA game. Not sure what we can do to improve our D from what we already have.

Drouin / Stastny / Zadina
Scherbak / Galchenyuk / Gallagher
Lehkonen / Danault / Shaw
Deslaurier / DLR / Byron
Hudon, Carr

Mete / Weber
Reilly / Petry
Alzner / Juulsen
Schlemko, Benn

Price
Niemi

Believe it or not, this is a line-up with almost $12M in cap space! Stastny ($6.5M) and Danault ($3.5M). I think Pleky is back

Stastny is not a #1 center. Shaw might not be back anymore with his long list of injuries. A left D-man must be acquired thru trade or on the UFA market. That bunch doesn't cut it at all. Galchenyuk is not a center as well as Drouin. Scherbak is a RW.

MB has to find TWO top-two line centermen + a top pairing Left d-man. Huge task.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Stastny is not a #1 center. Shaw might not be back anymore with his long list of injuries. A left D-man must be acquired thru trade or on the UFA market. That bunch doesn't cut it at all. Galchenyuk is not a center as well as Drouin. Scherbak is a RW.

On our team he is. Just like Mete is not a top paring D or Zadina is a top paring winger, not yet anyways.

Re-Tool the roster to be respectful but anther top 10 pick. It's totally possible. Keep Pleky away... he is too good on D lol. Let Molson pocket some money and we spend it on scouting. Hire Hunter now and we will be able to snag great prospects in the Q with Ducharme/Bouchard and Hunter in the OHL. Throw money at other guys who have connections in the WHL, NCAA, and Europe. Spend the cap space this way

 

[1909]

On our team he is. Just like Mete is not a top paring D or Zadina is a top paring winger, not yet anyways.

On a non-Playoffs team...of course !

If Patches is traded, it must be for a top-two lines centerman, young or older.

 

[Habs Halifax]

On a non-Playoffs team...of course !

If Patches is traded, it must be for a top-two lines centerman, young or older.

A draft pick that will eventually become a top 2C, yes. Getting a proven guy right away is a dream return and not happening. Even Thomas, Vilardi, and Borgstrom are untouchable. We need to snag the pick and draft them ourselves. 12 months after the draft and these prospects at center are hard to acquire.

If we are going to sign anyone with term... Stastny but he is age 32/33 next year. Give him a 3 year deal at $7M max (but I would prefer 3 years at $6M instead). Be careful with term. I think I rather have him than Pleky in a retool situation but I think Bergevin signs both.

 

[Habs100]

Curious... Does drafting Zadina make Scherbak expendable? Both are Left handed shots that play off wing. Or do we simply move Scherbak to LW to replace patch after we trade him?

Re-Tool Strategy... The best realistic forward line-up I can come up with. And Shaw and Byron will be missing camp too! So that's a spot for Hudon and Carr. Vejdemo could surprise but I can see him going to Europe for one more year. Hope we are able to convince him to play in the AHL for one year though to get use to the NA game. Not sure what we can do to improve our D from what we already have.

Drouin / Stastny / Zadina
Scherbak / Galchenyuk / Gallagher
Lehkonen / Danault / Shaw
Deslaurier / DLR / Byron
Hudon, Carr

Mete / Weber
Reilly / Petry
Alzner / Juulsen
Schlemko, Benn

Price
Niemi

Believe it or not, this is a line-up with almost $12M in cap space! Stastny ($6.5M) and Danault ($3.5M). I think Pleky is back

I have Hudon over Shaw. What are we getting for Pacioretty? That lineup doesnt look that bad if we get a good LHD for Pacioretty, Galchenyuk were actually allowed to play center and Shaw was traded. But, I think pigs will fly before all that happens.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I have Hudon over Shaw. What are we getting for Pacioretty? That lineup doesnt look that bad if we get a good LHD for Pacioretty, Galchenyuk were actually allowed to play center and Shaw was traded. But, I think pigs will fly before all that happens.

We are getting a 1st round pick and grade B prospect for Patch. Futures that help us later vs now.

The D is harder to fix IMO. If want another top 10 pick next year, don't change anything. If we want to compete, a major trade needs to happen and that is scary to think about who we would be trading

Hudon vs Shaw. I like Shaw when he is healthy and not in the box. Hudon to me needs to step up next year. I'd like to see 15-20 goals and 40+ pts. If he stalls, I can see him being another Ghetto and expendable. My problem with Hudon is too many soft forwards. So if you want to be part of the team, you need to find a role that suits our team, not what suits him. What is Hudon good at? Scoring, Play Making, D? It's hard to pin point IMO. It's early yet so I won't be too hard on him but he needs to be good at something if he is in my future plans.

 

[montreal]

Hudon was one of our better players last year and that was his first full season. Add to that he showed a lot of good things but came up just short a few times. He was on pace for almost 35 pts over 82 and had he gotten a few more bounces he might have hit 40. I certainly think he has the skill to hit 40+. He's got a wicked shot, good playmaker, high IQ, decent in his own end. He's got to get stronger and quicker.

 

[sandviper]

Stastny is not a #1 center. Shaw might not be back anymore with his long list of injuries. A left D-man must be acquired thru trade or on the UFA market. That bunch doesn't cut it at all. Galchenyuk is not a center as well as Drouin. Scherbak is a RW.

MB has to find TWO top-two line centermen + a top pairing Left d-man. Huge task.

I'd argue we also need a second pairing LHD to go with the other 3 pieces you've mentioned.

 

[Habs100]

On our team he is. Just like Mete is not a top paring D or Zadina is a top paring winger, not yet anyways.

Re-Tool the roster to be respectful but anther top 10 pick. It's totally possible. Keep Pleky away... he is too good on D lol. Let Molson pocket some money and we spend it on scouting. Hire Hunter now and we will be able to snag great prospects in the Q with Ducharme/Bouchard and Hunter in the OHL. Throw money at other guys who have connections in the WHL, NCAA, and Europe. Spend the cap space this way

Hockey IQ and his work ethic are his strengths. His biggest weakness is his skating. Not sure that can be improved at 24, but he should be working with a skating specialist this summer. He also turned the puck over a lot in his rookie year. Hopefully that will change with experience.

I'd like to see what he can do with a full year in the top 9.

 

[montreal]

I'd argue we also need a second pairing LHD to go with the other 3 pieces you've mentioned.

If they got a solid top pairing LD and Weber isn't impacted by his foot injury, I think you will be ok with a Mete or Reilly as the 4th D.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Hockey IQ and his work ethic are his strengths. His biggest weakness is his skating. Not sure that can be improved at 24, but he should be working with a skating specialist this summer. He also turned the puck over a lot in his rookie year. Hopefully that will change with experience.

I'd like to see what he can do with a full year in the top 9.

His skating stride is very good actually, he's got good long strides.. it's strength that's the issue and that happens when you haven't taken a serious work-out approach up until the last year and you've had big knee injuries a few summers.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Hudon was one of our better players last year and that was his first full season. Add to that he showed a lot of good things but came up just short a few times. He was on pace for almost 35 pts over 82 and had he gotten a few more bounces he might have hit 40. I certainly think he has the skill to hit 40+. He's got a wicked shot, good playmaker, high IQ, decent in his own end. He's got to get stronger and quicker.

I don't want to put much pressure on him but I'd like to see 15-20 goals 40-50 pts from him next year. If this kid had elite level skating, he would be very dynamic

 

[Habs100]

His skating stride is very good actually, he's got good long strides.. it's strength that's the issue and that happens when you haven't taken a serious work-out approach up until the last year and you've had big knee injuries a few summers.

It would be great if he worked out his legs and that led to him being a faster skater. Right now he's slow as molasses, and I'm a fan. Would be a game changer for him.

 

[Habs Halifax]

It would be great if he worked out his legs and that led to him being a faster skater. Right now he's slow as molasses, and I'm a fan. Would be a game changer for him.

He clearly needs to bulk up a bit to avoid injuries. His development has been derailed due to several injuries over the past few seasons.

 

[montreal]

I don't want to put much pressure on him but I'd like to see 15-20 goals 40-50 pts from him next year. If this kid had elite level skating, he would be very dynamic

The Habs aren't going anywhere, what we need is for young players like Hudon, Lehkonen to get stronger, quicker, and figure things out/improve for when they hit their prime years. I think Hudon can hit 40 pts but if he doesn't, it won't mean he can't as some players take a step back in their 2nd full season, we'll just need to see how he bounces back the following year (if there's one)

 

[Habs Halifax]

The Habs aren't going anywhere, what we need is for young players like Hudon, Lehkonen to get stronger, quicker, and figure things out/improve for when they hit their prime years. I think Hudon can hit 40 pts but if he doesn't, it won't mean he can't as some players take a step back in their 2nd full season, we'll just need to see how he bounces back the following year (if there's one)

Problem is I am not sure if Molson/Bergevin want to allow the kids to play and learn on the job. Very curious what they do for a "re-tool". As far as Hudon, I am a fan and I would like to see him take the next step. He needs to be a better skater if he wants to be the player he can be at the NHL level

 

[montreal]

Problem is I am not sure if Molson/Bergevin want to allow the kids to play and learn on the job. Very curious what they do for a "re-tool". As far as Hudon, I am a fan and I would like to see him take the next step. He needs to be a better skater if he wants to be the player he can be at the NHL level

I'd add Julien as well since he should have been playing Carr, Jerabek, DLR more not less when it was clear the season was over so he should have looked to get his younger players more ice time. So it will be interesting to see what they do, but I assume they will fail again and when they do they will at some point have to play the younger guys more as I'm hoping they would sell off some assets as I got to think 2 terrible years in a row would be enough for them to finally throw in the towel and admit they must rebuild.

Hudon if he gets quicker could be a very solid NHLer, if not I still think he can be a decent NHLer.

 

[De Montreal]

I'd add Julien as well since he should have been playing Carr, Jerabek, DLR more not less when it was clear the season was over so he should have looked to get his younger players more ice time. So it will be interesting to see what they do, but I assume they will fail again and when they do they will at some point have to play the younger guys more as I'm hoping they would sell off some assets as I got to think 2 terrible years in a row would be enough for them to finally throw in the towel and admit they must rebuild.

Hudon if he gets quicker could be a very solid NHLer, if not I still think he can be a decent NHLer.

I think he might get tried at center at some point next season if/when MB cant get a centre.

Back to Scherbak: do you think he start the season at Bonaventure or Montmorency?

 

[montreal]

I think he might get tried at center at some point next season if/when MB cant get a centre.

Back to Scherbak: do you think he start the season at Bonaventure or Montmorency?

maybe, Hudon might be able to play center due to his smarts and skills but worried about his lack of speed. I guess if the Habs suck, it can't hurt to try him there since we'll have nothing to play for.

Scherbak will be in the NHL. 100%.

 

[Tyson]

Scherbak showed flashes of being able to produce. He plays surprisingly well in all 3 zones. No way he is given up on now that he is ready

 

[Habricot]

Hudon was one of our better players last year and that was his first full season. Add to that he showed a lot of good things but came up just short a few times. He was on pace for almost 35 pts over 82 and had he gotten a few more bounces he might have hit 40. I certainly think he has the skill to hit 40+. He's got a wicked shot, good playmaker, high IQ, decent in his own end. He's got to get stronger and quicker.

Even from a quickness point of view he looked fast enough to me until the end where he go injurred.

 

[montreal]

Scherbak showed flashes of being able to produce. He plays surprisingly well in all 3 zones. No way he is given up on now that he is ready

He looks really good in the offensive zone, but the other 2 zones his play without the puck needs a good bit of improvement. The good news is that the effort has been there after it wasn't early on.

Even from a quickness point of view he looked fast enough to me until the end where he go injurred.

I think it would benefit him greatly to get quicker.

 

[Scriptor]

A draft pick that will eventually become a top 2C, yes. Getting a proven guy right away is a dream return and not happening. Even Thomas, Vilardi, and Borgstrom are untouchable. We need to snag the pick and draft them ourselves. 12 months after the draft and these prospects at center are hard to acquire.

If we are going to sign anyone with term... Stastny but he is age 32/33 next year. Give him a 3 year deal at $7M max (but I would prefer 3 years at $6M instead). Be careful with term. I think I rather have him than Pleky in a retool situation but I think Bergevin signs both.

I don't agree. Borgström is not untouchable, not with Barkov (22) and Trochek (24) on the FLA depth chart, potentially for the next 12 -14 years -- and with Huberdeau (25) as a potential option at C in case of injury.

FLA needs help on RD and Weber could be the ideal insulation needed for Yandle, to stop the goals against. He'd also give them an added threat on the PP. FLA needs a Weber more than they need a Borgström, IMHO. I'm not saying Weber for Borgström, straight up, though. I'd try a bigger package deal that, amongst other things, might send Pacioretty or Galchenyuk FLA's way (they also need help on LW) in exchange for Matheson and possibly include an inversion of draft picks (our #35 VS their #15).

If it doesn't go beyond Weber and Borgström, I'd insist on the 15th pick coming our way as well and would relinquish a later 2nd rounder instead.

 

[OldCraig71]

Scherbak showed flashes of being able to produce. He plays surprisingly well in all 3 zones. No way he is given up on now that he is ready

I like Scherbak, send that kid to a team with a good one-two center duo and he could really blossom.

 

[Habs100]

Scherbak showed flashes of being able to produce. He plays surprisingly well in all 3 zones. No way he is given up on now that he is ready

He needs to play consistently. We see with Couturier what an opportunity can do. I bet he'd be successful if he spent the whole year on the same line with Galchenyuk or in the top six. Taking a guy out of the lineup once in a while is fine. But there are other ways to get your point across.

My biggest concern is that he stays healthy. He needs to be taught not to go full speed into the corners with Byfuglien.