Obviously Sergachev for Drouin was a disaster - Serg is not only the exact kind of defenseman they're lacking but fits the age range of Suzuki/KK/Caufield and would have been a perfect core piece to build around.
Beyond that I think he should have sold Petry and Gallagher for first round picks last summer instead of extending them. He could have then used those picks to draft players who fit the timeline of their young core or used the picks and resulting cap space to acquire players in that 22-26 age range. He put way too much stock into the Habs performance in the bubble.
Drouin trade
was a disaster. But I do remember fans and media being on board with the trade at the time given the Habs struggles and need for an offensive talent, as Drouin was coming off a great playoff in TB (and was still a young 3rd OA pick).... Still, horrible trade and poor insight. He shouldve kept the blue chip prospect knwoing Weber wasnt going to be good forever.
I dont know if I would given up on Petry given that hes their best Dman and all. He basically wouldve just been saying to the fans that he doesnt think the Habs have a chance and would rather rebuild.
Gallagher, well, I dont think any GM wouldve traded away that kind of player (goalscoring heart and soul, playoff type) even though its a little risky to sign him LT (injuries). Let alone the backlash from the fans!
Again, its damned if you do damned if you dont. Either keep the core players in their prime and try to win now, or trade them for picks/prospects for the future BUT lose your job soon after. Cant be easy being in his shoes.
What he shouldve done was trade Tatar especially given that hes being healthy scratched now. But Im guessing he was hoping he wouldve been productive int he playoffs. Hindsight is 20/20.
Hell, if I were him, I would sacrifice my job and tank the next 2 seasons to try and get Wright or Bedard. But thats easy for me to say.
