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So the Habs can get Dubois without losing a long-term core player and Danault gets a steep overpayment? There's no possible way Columbus could justify doing that. Again, if I'm Jarmo Kekalainen, the simple demand of Bergevin is as follows - one of Suzuki or Kotkaniemi has to be in the deal. If that doesn't happen, there's no reason whatsoever for Columbus to consider dealing Dubois to Montreal. Dubois is their number one centre. As Montreal fans, we can't say that Danault shouldn't be the number one in Montreal but hey, he could easily fill that role in Columbus and it would make sense for them to have him in that role. Drouin would last about a period and a half before getting into Tortorella's doghouse. And by the time his contract is up, Domi will have signed elsewhere as a UFA. You can try that offer all you want...I don't think Bergevin would be able to get it out of his mouth before he's hung up on though.

Ì No he doesnt. Petry and Kulak with both taking turns pushing the offence was the best D pair in the NHL over 2 seasons

Tatar - Danault - Gallagher Drouin - Suzuki - Anderson Toffoli - Kotkaniemi - Armia Byron - Evans - Lehkonen Chiarot - Weber Edmundson - Petry Kulak - Romanov Price Nugent-Hopkins - McDavid - Kassian Kahun - Draisaitl - Yamamoto Archibald - Turris - Puljujarvi Nygard - Shore - Chiasson Nurse - Bear Jones - Larsson Koekkoek - Barrie Koskinen

KK was still the 7th youngest player in the entire NHL in his second year (regulars, not kids who got the 9 game tryout and sent down). One thing to remember when we talk about his second year struggles. That said, KK + Mete as the basis of a deal is something I would definitely do.... then the rest is fitting under the cap... which will mean likely Byron + Weal, and waiting a few more weeks of cap manipulation with these callups/send downs of guys like Evans, Romanov, KK. Of course there still is a big IF in that IF that were possible.

Kotkaniemi had a strong 2/3 of a rookie season, but ran out of steam toward the end -- not surprising for an 18yo rookie. That did show some consistency, but the second season was pretty bad, for multiple reasons (injury, wrong choice of summer training etc). But I'm not ready to write off his potential to become something roughly similar level as Dubois -- but clearly he's not there today. As I have said in my other posts, I don't think this works for us. We need to give up too much (to Columbus first, and then to fit under the cap) that the trade doesn't make us significantly stronger in the short term, let alone future seasons. As enticing as this piece of candy is, maybe we should stick with what we have today.

If the oil try that 37 mph play I hope Romanov times things right and checks mcdavid into oblivion

Agree, if I am Columbus I would insist on one of Kotkaniemi or Suzuki. If you are losing a young stud then you need to replace him with a young stud or someone who has that potential. Danault is a very good player but not a stud. I like to think that Suzuki is untouchable at this point because his ceiling is so high. If nothing else it's interesting to discuss. No doubt that Dubois is a very valuable piece and will/should command a high return. Players like him, especially at his age aren't available often on the trade market.

Good post. You have to put yourself in the other team’s shoes. If the Habs had Dubois, the fabled young and skilled #1C with size, and he wanted out, would we *possibly* accept Danault/Drouin in return? No. In fact, we would string Bergevin up from yardarm if he did that - selling out the franchise cornerstone for a two-way 50-point C due for a big raise, and an erratic 55-point winger who has not once in five seasons shown himself to be a player to count on. Frankly, I am surprised by the KK rumours. If I were CBJ, I would insist on Suzuki, period. I like KK, I am cautiously optimistic about him becoming an impact top-6 C, but let’s face it, he is being hyped more because of 10 play-in games and his high draft position than because of anything he has actually done in two years. Unlike Suze, he has yet to show any sustained delivery on his promise. That is an excellent point about the cap and our depth at C. I’ve been all over the map on this Dubois question, but given the strength of this point, coupled with my disbelief that CBJ would accept Danault as an adequate keystone in return, maybe there is simply not a deal to be had here.

I keep saying this too but we seem to be alone. Kulak and Petry were very very good together. Best pairing we have had in a while. I worry about Weber and chairot mobility

NIce job by the Sens to take down the Leafs in regulation. If Ottawa is the clear-cut worst team in the division, each team's record against them will be a major deciding factor in who makes the playoffs.

We no longer NEED PLD Don’t give up the farm

The only way to go is up:

I am sure CBJ would want Suzuki, don't blame them for that. To me Suzuki alone could turn out to be an overpay. Suzuki and a 1st is definitely an overpay in my opinion. The kid is going to be great.

I loled