We have less than 10% chance of getting Dahlin. And very very little chance at Tavares.
Now take into account that Pleks IS coming back to MTL. That deal seems like it's done- just not signed yet.
Nobody is trading their #2 centre for Pacioretty - why would they create a hole at centre to get a winger? Doesn't add up.
Bergevin has proven incapable of making any big signings and in fact cannot even resign his own players properly. Subban was a nightmare to resign and he lost Radulov and Markov. Kudos to him for overpaying Price - probably didn't even have to negotiate that #.
The only way I see Tavares coming here is with a ridiculous 15 mill price tag or something like that and to be honest I would probably do it. If we don't grossly overpay nobody will come - and better to give him more than to waste it on his Hemsky/Semin contracts.
I still do not see how the Habs get Tavares. Toronto has JVR and Bozak coming off the books. Tavares has a team Canada relationship with Babcock. And a real chance to win. He would not have the expectation of saving a franchise either.
I also don't expect Nuge to be in play. All Edmonton has left is Mc David, Draisaitl and Nuge. They need wingers, Puuljarvi may emerge as one, but I don't see them giving up on Nuge. Nurse maybe. They may be able to replace him with Ethan Bear internally.
I can't see the Oilers having an interest in anyone but Galchenyuk.
Patches would never re-sign in Edmonton.
I want Stastny to replace Plekanec's leadership. He would also add a different element than Patches on the PP, A guy that is good around the net. And strong on the puck. Plus a face off ace. Would take pressure off Drouin in a way that Plekanec never could.
Bjustad intrigues me, because I think the Habs are scouting a lot from the Northern U.S, would fit in well with those guys.
Can play centre or wing. Maybe rides shotgun with Drouin next year. The following year perhaps Danault moves up to centre Drouin-Scherbak, and Poehling centres Lehkonen and Bjustad. For those clamouring for Shaw to be moved, he seems like an upgrade.
The Canadiens aren't in a terrible place. They don't have as many dead weight contracts, like Ladd, or Nielsen, or Okposo/Moulson. In fact I would say that Gallagher's and Byron's contracts are steals. 40 goals for $5 million. I would not mind if the Habs sacrificed a 3rd to take on a contract like Pominville, a right handed shot for the PP. Could still score 20 under winning conditions. Mathieu Perreault would be a guy too, that could help.
It's hard to believe that Price and Weber have nothing left.
I think adding size would make it more of a Julien team, and that seems to be a disconnect, getting GM and coach on the same page.
I'll be happy if the Habs turn the page on Pleky, as much as I like him, and find a d-man who can play with Weber. The answer may be Mete, if Reilly steps up. But by not trading any significant picks, as previously done, the Canadiens have the potential to build a solid prospect base in the next couple of years, turn the ship around.
Still not sure Bergevin is the guy to be at the helm, but you can at least hope that he is learning from mistakes.
