I'm curious - I guess we all are, to see what Bergevin is going to do + who emerges on the wing in Hamilton. I just don't think Habs can win with this lack of size / aging with Briere, Gionta, Bourque and Desharnais. 2 or 3 of these guys have to go. Maybe Bergevin deals a dman or d prospect for some size and skill on the wing. Unless as mentioned someone forces their hand in Hamilton
I would say the priority in trading forwards goes something like this:
Desharnais: Small, struggling and Galchenyuk is more than capable of stepping in and providing more which gives Pleks, Eller, Galchy, Bournival/White down the middle.
Gionta: Looks old but does provide leadership. I think Bergevin would be likely to keep him since he is the captain. But he will be gone next year.
Bourque: I expect him to stay because he does bring something that we don't have a lot of...size on the wing and he can score. Ideally he would be a third line winger.
Briere: He will not be traded. Hometown boy that was just brought in for a short term deal. No matter how much he struggles they will give him every chance to succeed.
As far as the next guys who may step up and provide a burst of youthful talent at forward...I don't see anyone near term that will provide what the two Gally's have.
I suppose Thomas, Andrighetto, Leblanc could see some time in the NHL this year as injury replacements.
The main guys that could have an impact in the next 2 years (in order of likelihood) would be McCarron, De La Rose, Collberg, Hudon and Lehkonen.
I expect Tinordi, Beaulieu, Nygren and Dietz to be the most likely to help on the backend in the next few years. I believe that once Murray and Emelin are healthy we will see Diaz or Bouillon traded since they will realize that Beaulieu and Tinordi are capable defensemen in the #5-6 spot.