Dreger: High interest on Arturi Lehkonen. Now in play for trade.

[5cotland]

UPDATE:

Click to read more...

 

[goldRIVER]

LEkHoNeN Is GoInG tO rETurN a FIrSt

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

 

[CheldishGamibno]

Don't think they'll trade him if they don't get back what they want. I'm OK either way because I know the return would be good if he's traded.

 

[Baksfamous112]

LEkHoNeN Is GoInG tO rETurN a FIrSt

cHiArOt iSn’t rEtUrNiNg A fIrSt

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

cHiArOt iSn’t rEtUrNiNg A fIrSt

This is what those people looked like while writing that Big Ben wouldnt get a first. Something about WAR charts

 

[Foppberg]

I don't think they trade him. I'd love him in Colorado but not for a first.

 

[John Mandalorian]

I don't think they trade him. I'd love him in Colorado but not for a first.

I'd do it for a first but not the plus that's being thrown around.

 

[Kairi Zaide]

Lehkonen is most likely better than whatever the assets they would get can become, and he's still young.

I'm probably one of the biggest Lehkonen simps, but I also know that he's having what is most likely a career year offensively. Going forward, I don't expect him to remain a ~40 points guy - more a ~30 points (almost all at ES) one like he's been for most of his career, while also being solid defensively.

To me, it depends on what he is willing to sign for. Anything above 4M and I'd say it might be, unfortunately, better to let him go now. If we can sign him medium term at 3.5M-4M (which honestly is probably unrealistic), I'd say keep him, because he's that valuable and can contribute for many years still - baring an injury or an unsuspected decline.

 

[Lshap]

Lehknonen's a very solid middle-6 forward who's young enough to be part of Montreal's future. No reason to trade him unless the Habs are offered a great package. And no reason for another team to offer a great package unless they need immediate playoff success and can sacrifice a top prospect or 2023 1st-round pick.

 

[Benstheman]

I don't think they trade him. I'd love him in Colorado but not for a first.

Honestly, your pick would almost be a 2nd rounder. Personally, i would be disappointed if the Habs only get that and keep him.

 

[RC51]

I don't think they trade him. I'd love him in Colorado but not for a first.

here is the problem for that. Leky is a 2nd rounder, he is no longer a 18 year old he NOW is in his prime 26. great contract. Why would the habs move him for a 2nd that has to start all over at 18 and then wait till that prospect reaches his prime at 26. Without a 1st you offer the HABS no incentive for the trade AT ALL. So what is your offer? I want your guy but I offer you nothing more then what you already have in just keeping Leky. Habs are not asking for 1st+prospect+ who knows what. YOU HAVE TO OFFER MORE then just a 2nd. " I have 100 dollars, you have 100 dollars, please give me your 100 dollars and I will give you my 100 dollars but my cheque is dated 6 years from now

 

[Seb]

I'd be disappointed if he was traded and the return was underwhelming. There's no reason for the Habs to actually trade him unless the package is too good to refuse.

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

here is the problem for that. Leky is a 2nd rounder, he is no longer a 18 year old he NOW is in his prime 26. great contract. Why would the habs move him for a 2nd that has to start all over at 18 and then wait till that prospect reaches his prime at 26. Without a 1st you offer the HABS no incentive for the trade AT ALL. So what is your offer? I want your guy but I offer you nothing more then what you already have in just keeping Leky. Habs are not asking for 1st+prospect+ who knows what. YOU HAVE TO OFFER MORE then just a 2nd. " I have 100 dollars, you have 100 dollars, please give me your 100 dollars and I will give you my 100 dollars but my cheque is dated 6 years from now

Then Montreal keeps the player. Simple. He is not worth a 1st considering what other assets will require the same 1st from the contending teams.

 

[RC51]

I don't think they trade him. I'd love him in Colorado but not for a first.

here is the problem for that. Leky is a 2nd rounder, he is no longer a 18 year old he NOW is in his prime 26. great contract. Why would the habs move him for a 2nd that has to start all over at 18 and then wait till that prospect reaches his prime at 26. Without a 1st you offer the HABS no incentive for the trade AT ALL. So what is your offer? I want your guy but I offer you nothing more then what you already have in just keeping Leky. Habs are not asking for 1st+prospect+ who knows what. YOU HAVE TO OFFER MORE then just a 2nd

Then Montreal keeps the player. Simple. He is not worth a 1st considering what other assets will require the same 1st from the contending teams.

You have the right NOT to offer a 1st, just like you had the right not to offer for Chairot. Habs say ok 1 (you) down, 30 to go> lets see what the rest say.

 

[Foppberg]

here is the problem for that. Leky is a 2nd rounder, he is no longer a 18 year old he NOW is in his prime 26. great contract. Why would the habs move him for a 2nd that has to start all over at 18 and then wait till that prospect reaches his prime at 26. Without a 1st you offer the HABS no incentive for the trade AT ALL. So what is your offer? I want your guy but I offer you nothing more then what you already have in just keeping Leky. Habs are not asking for 1st+prospect+ who knows what. YOU HAVE TO OFFER MORE then just a 2nd. " I have 100 dollars, you have 100 dollars, please give me your 100 dollars and I will give you my 100 dollars but my cheque is dated 6 years from now

... Where did I mention only paying a 2nd? All I said is for me, I hope we don't pay a 1st for him. I like the player a lot but if we're dealing a 1st I'd rather see it involve a bigger fish. But that's a hell of a story you've created

 

[barrie colts]

For now keep him.

In 4-5 years, the youth (Caufield, Suzuki etc...) in their prime and maybe he is the veteran missing piece.
Unless you get a very good potential top 6 player on a team that's willing to overpay.... (like Newhook !!!)

I'll remind everyone, Montreal traded Chris Chelios (HOF) for Denis Savard and won the cup.
Was it worth it?
You bet it did, last time they won it.

If not this type of overpayment....you KEEP him.

 

[RC51]

I don't think they trade him. I'd love him in Colorado but not for a first.

here is the problem for that. Leky is a 2nd rounder, he is no longer a 18 year old he NOW is in his prime 26. great contract. Why would the habs move him for a 2nd that has to start all over at 18 and then wait till that prospect reaches his prime at 26. Without a 1st you offer the HABS no incentive for the trade AT ALL. So what is your offer? I want your guy but I offer you nothing more then what you already have in just keeping Leky. Habs are not asking for 1st+prospect+ who knows what. YOU HAVE TO OFFER MORE then just a 2nd

Then Montreal keeps the player. Simple. He is not worth a 1st considering what other assets will require the same 1st from the contending teams.

You have the right NOT to offer a 1st, just like you had the right not to offer for Chairot. Habs say ok 1 (you) down, 30 to go> lets see what the rest say.

... Where did I mention only paying a 2nd? All I said is for me, I hope we don't pay a 1st for him. I like the player a lot but if we're dealing a 1st I'd rather see it involve a bigger fish. But that's a hell of a story you've created

glad you like my story HAHA. but I have NOT seen an offer from YOU, to see if you can grab leky from the Habs.

 

[Habs 4 Life]

Lehkonen will be moved only and only if a team is seriously willing to overpay IMHO. Should be a fun few days coming.. I'm ok either way, really don't mind if he stays

 

[Benstheman]

Lehkonen will be moved only and only if a team is seriously willing to overpay IMHO. Should be a fun few days coming.. I'm ok either way, really don't mind if he stays

If we are able to trade a salary like Armia or Hoffman befaore the deadline, i will be ok with keeping Lehkonen and give him 4M$ per for 4-5 years. But we definately have to shed salary for next season.

 

[CupInSIX]

If Dreger is saying it, then I believe it.

 

[BKarchitect]

Easily should get a 1st plus probably something else decent. He’s better than Jarnkrok and not a true rental and Ironhook got a 2nd and 3rd.

 

[Cabbie91]

He will likely be re-signed if there isn't an overpay. Too important to the teams fabric. Plays in every situation and a coaches dream.

 

[DFF]

here is the problem for that. Leky is a 2nd rounder, he is no longer a 18 year old he NOW is in his prime 26. great contract. Why would the habs move him for a 2nd that has to start all over at 18 and then wait till that prospect reaches his prime at 26. Without a 1st you offer the HABS no incentive for the trade AT ALL. So what is your offer? I want your guy but I offer you nothing more then what you already have in just keeping Leky. Habs are not asking for 1st+prospect+ who knows what. YOU HAVE TO OFFER MORE then just a 2nd. " I have 100 dollars, you have 100 dollars, please give me your 100 dollars and I will give you my 100 dollars but my cheque is dated 6 years from now

If his next contract is in the 4M range then the value is not that great

 

[BLNY]

In a vacuum, I keep him. He's one of the hardest working players in the league. He's having a career year. His versatility is hard to beat. As an RFA, Montreal could Q him and risk the fallout of arbitration. That gives them a year to figure out what to do with Byron, and maybe Armia.

Prior to signing Armia, I was always of the opinion that it was sort of an either or scenario. Similar styles of player, and with Joel and Byron under contract and younger cheaper forwards, I'm not sure it's good to invest long term in Lehkonen. If we can move out one of Byron or Armia I'm all for it.

All this is what's being weighed. It will have to be a compelling offer. If it is, I move him.