Hall had a great season despite Eberle and Hopkins having off years.
He was a beast and this vid shows it.
Habs fan in peace. Sorry you guys had a rough year. Now don't go mental, but I'd like to know what you guys think:
I am huge on Hall. The kid is going to be a monster. And I know how much you guys love this kid.
Here's the thing: Habs are not going to develop a power scoring wing for the first line in time for our 6 year window, and UFA is always a crap option. Vanek is gone after PO.
I think lack of a another first line elite wing in his prime is going to kill Habs chances at a cup, we have everything else, including quite good D depth, and the Oilers need D, and you can also afford to wait for a few more years to contend, and maybe you can afford to deal Hall given that you will again draft high this year.
I know I'm going to get **** for this, but I would offer Subby if he wants too much, for Hall, a decent D prospect and your second round pick. If you think that is too much, we can debate the terms, but that is not the point.
If we had McDo, this would be a no brainer. Even without him though I think the Habs D can develop well, and a decent no 3-4 UFA D can be had much easier than an elite power winger in his prime.
Edmonton is that very rare team that could ever consider trading a player like Hall, and could replace him with another great pick, and has the youth to replace him. More on that below.
Yes Habs would miss Subby, no question, in fact, he cannot be replaced, but I think Habs have a 5-6 year window, and that the team's prospects are weaker up front far more than on D. It is about balance.
And yes, you guys lose Hall, which is huge, but unlike Habs who need to win pretty soon, I think you might be able to replace Hall through the draft come time to contend starting in 4 years. Oil get a superb franchise D, and retain fantastic young offensive players for the future. And I could see a big improvement for you guys right away with Subban, the start of a winning culture again, which you guys deserve.
Though I don't like it, we could also part with Fucale in the deal, a great goalie prospect that will come on line just as Oil starts to make noise.
It is a rare situation where both teams could survive giving up elite young players, in order to improve where they are weakest. It is possibly a trade that can hugely help both teams with where they are and where they want to go the next 5 years.
The only hitch is how you pay for Subban if he demands 8 mill, and how you then pay for RNH and JE when the time comes. Can be done I think.
And the final key?
Don't give up on Yaks. I could have made this a trade for Yaks post, but Habs may not have time to wait for the kid to grow up a bit, which he will. Do not give up on this kid, he is the guy along with your pick this year that might make you forget about Hall, while you enjoy Subban.
Now flame away! And good luck next year guys.