And i think for Armia, there is a possibility they resign him. This guy is gold comes playoffs time.
But it would need to be 2-3 years and no salary raise.
They will probably negociate with him pre-deadline and if they can't a deal, he will be traded, unless Habs are in a position to make the playoffs.
I'm not sold on resigning Armia as he may take a spot that I would want for a more physical player.
Next year, having Armia is ok and almost unavoidable. we dont have better alternative yet then him on the 3rd or 4th line and while he was good to finish the season, I dont think that this is enough to make him desirable in a trade over the summer. That said, if Armia keep playing the way he did to finish the season, he may be a good trade target at the next TDL.
Now this is where things get complicated for me: Should MTL be in a race for a playoff spot, do you trade a guy that can help you? most certainly not unless the offer is insane. If MTL is out of the picture, then maybe.
Why maybe? well as you said, he's good and well liked by the other players, so can you resign him to play on the 4th line with a PK role? Would make sense, but beyond next season, one thing is clear, if MTL do add what I believe will be more top 6 talents and push Newhook and Roy on the 3rd line for 25/26 season, then Armia need a spot on the 4th line and you'll have competition with Tuch/Xhekaj evan Gally, etc....
[2024 1rd] - Suzuki - Slaf
Caufleild - Dach - [trade w/1stWin+]
Newhook - Beck - Roy
[Tuch/Xhekaj/Evan/Armia/Gally/others?]
Unless the trade or this years pick have sand paper, this top 9 is not very robust. you'll want to add that on the 4th and not sure Armia is the answer.
Toughness, ideally, should be added on top-6, not be reserved strictly for the bottom-6. That's why drafting a player like Lindstrom should be a priority if we don't win the Celebrini lottery.
I'd select him at 2nd OA. He's listed 3rd OA on some mock drafts.
I'd even trade the CAL 1st rounder in 2025 tour own 1st round pick this year to move up and ensure we can select Lindstrom if we don't win the lottery.
Size and top-6 skill, with grit and the ability to score goals is something every team needs if it hopes to win a Cup.
I agree, top 6 need to be more tough and I would also prefer Lidstron/Iginla for that reason. That said, they wont play next year and the lineup above is more what I expect for next October.