I haven't followed how Montreal has been doing this season apart from seeing them in the standings, but if they'd be willing to trade Erat (+ AHL plug?) for Briere I think that'd be a big win for us. Plus GMGM would get hard at the thought of having another player with a reputation for stepping up in the playoffs.
I imagine Briere would have a lot more value than Erat though.
Dating back to last season, Briere looks pretty "done." There's a reason, beyond just his $6.5M cap hit on his previous contract, that the Flyers bought him out. He's been a healthy scratch for the Canadiens multiple times this season, and has been seeing limited minutes when he does play (uner 13min/night).
That being said, he does have 5 goals while playing those limited minutes in pretty defensive situation (in just 29 games). Nothing to write home about, but he's had some production in a depth role already.
Based on what they have done over the last couple seasons I can't see how Briere has any more value than Erat. He makes 500k less with the same term as Erat but is 4 years older.
From an on ice perspective I like the idea of a guy playing his actual position so there is that but when the Caps are healthy up front I'm not sure where he would fit. I'm not sure how he would fit on the PP either.
I think this would simply be exchanging one poor fit for another.
What do you expect we can get for Erat at this point? It's going to be players who have been poor fits with their team, or have questionable contracts, or are slumping, etc. Briere at least has some upside and a resume of playoff success.
Is it ideal? No, but you have to limit your expectations about Erat's return at this point. He's a $4.5M player with term remaining and zero goals on the season. GMs aren't exactly going to be lining up to take him.
