We should trade for a centre or a LD. Thoughts???
The Habs might have to hope that long-term Galchenyuk is their 1C and Danault their 2/3C, and look to the trade market to acquire a #2C who is overpaid but whose salary fits within the Habs' cap space right now and who could slide to #3 over time.
Jordan Staal (28) at $6M x 6?
Maybe, but what would CAR want back?
Claude Giroux (29) at $8.275M x 5?
Could live with cap hit short-term but is this too many years for a guy with sliding production? Would Philly retain a bit?
Jeff Carter (32) at $5.875M x 5?
Possible. The return required is key.
Henrik Zetterberg (36) at $6.083M x 4?
Is Detroit ready to rebuild? If so, this could be interesting out of left field.
Could the Habs offer enough young assets without crippling the team?
Alex Killorn (27) at $4.45M x 6?
Is he a real #2C?
Tyler Bozak (31) at $4.25M x 1?
Possible short-term solution, if obtainable cheap
Nick Foligno (29) at $5.5M x 5?
I see him as a #2C, but is he untouchable in CBJ?
Brandon Dubinsky (31) at $5.85M x 5?
Will he remain a 40 point guy? Or is that too much term?
Could he be had without sacrificing a core piece? Intriguing.
Travis Zajac (32) at $5.75M x 4?
Some term risk, but perhaps the right type of target in terms of high-ish cap hit therefore low cost to acquire.
Adam Henrique (27) at $4.0M x 2?
NJ would probably want young cost-controlled assets. Feasibility depends on whether NJ sees themselves re-signing him in 2 years.
Artem Anisimov (29) at $4.55M x 4?
Would Chicago even consider moving what might be their 2C for the next few years?
Matt Duchene (26) at $6.0M x 2?
Lots written about this one, not sure if Colorado is truly motivated to deal.
And player's production lately is scary.
Jason Spezza (34) at $7.5M x 2?
Dallas has other productive Cs now, maybe they try to dump salary?
Paul Stastny (31) at $7.0M x 1?
Overpaid now, if STL feels they can't re-sign him, they might trade for futures
Mathieu Perreault (29) at $4.125M x 4?
Maybe brings enough value for his contract that WPG not interested in moving him
Mikael Backlund (28) at 3.575M x 1?
If Calgary is committed to Sam Bennett, Backlund might be expendable.
Otherwise Habs could try to pry Bennett free so that CGY is not forced to pay him big bucks.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (24) at $6.0M x 4
Again, much written.
Could be a good target given his 43 points last year and future projected role.
Logan Couture (28) at $6.0M x 2
Does SJ seem him as overpaid and not likely to re-sign in 2 years.
If so, they might consider offers, but I think they intend to keep him.
Henrik Sedin (36) at $7.0M x 1
Is Vancouver ready to cut ties for future assets?
Can Montreal handle both Sedins under the cap?
If Plekanec goes the other way, why should Vancouver do this?
I doubt a fit is here.
Summary: There are some possibilities here. The GM needs to kick every tire to see what might be doable. His job may be at stake. Geoff Molson will probably not wait too much longer without results.