A very reasonable post and you are probably right. But let's see how valid that thinking might be. The realistic odds of Poehling being a top 6 center in the NHL are less than 50%. Prospects have value because they are cheap and because there is a chance that they turn out better than expected. But we are talking about a late first here who is 4th on his team in scoring behind guys like Blake Lizotte. Everyone is excited by his WJHC performance which is reasonable. But he had 8 points in 7 games. At the same age Nuge played in the WJHC and had 15 points in 6 games. The year before that Nuge had 18 goals and 52 points in 62 games in the NHL and had 6 points in 8 games in the Men's WC. Anyone suggesting that an offer involving Ryan Poehling as the primary piece for Nugent Hopkins favours the Oilers let alone insults the Habs really needs to educate themselves on what players are really worth.
Thing is though he's not the only piece listed. Brook, our top defensive prospect, is also a cost listed. I'd argue that he's a more valuable asset than Poehling (though stat watchers will disagree on points and then someone will being up his junior possession numbers and the debate gets needlessly messy).
I don't think the issue with Nuge is based on talent. I'd argue that the Nuge we get this year is partially inflated by McDavid but his previous years were underperformed due to a myriad of easily explainable reasons too. I think a 60pt pace is reasonable and a 70pt pace isn't unreasonable.
I don't even think the external value is that far off.
I think the cost to team plus two years of player control plus Habs window not being open for a few years is more why the offer is unattractive.
If Winnipeg made a similiar offer (Niku+ or Vasalainen+), I don't think many people would argue. Nuge gets put in a position that suits him (well any player really) very well where he won't carry the team but just has to play with two good wingers and no doubt puts up the production he should without the expectation of him being a 1c (but he creates a deadly top 6).
For Montreal though, Nuge doesn't accomplish any goals and the gamble exists that it does more damage long term. Montreal needs to roll the dice with its propsects. Trading away futures should be immediately rejected unless it's for a player like Nurse. Nurse and Domi occupy the same role (though with different skill sets) and so we don't need a 2c in the future. We either need a better 1c or to let Kotkaneimi become it