PMAC

Yes, but to be clear, that is Engles opinion not mine.

I take your point, but I used the word “sucker” in regards to Armia as I am hoping that they somehow trade him without giving up too many assets. Also, Lekhonen’s price point for re-signing has not been brought up in the media as a factor in the decision to trade him and it should be.

I hear that it is necessary to trade Leks due to the salary cap. https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-lehkonen-boosts-trade-value-in-playoff-style-win-over-senators/ I think if the return is outstanding, trade him. If not, why not give Arizona a pick to take Byron? And keep him. Even better, sucker some GM enamoured of the puck possession, grinding beast that Armia was last playoffs into taking him off your hands. If the Leafs can dump Ritchie at an affordable price there is no reason why Hugh/Gort should allow the salary cap to be the defining guide of their actions and I don’t think that they will.

C'mon, Hugh-Gort have been at the helm for months... or at least, a month. They are far past the five minute exemption from criticism that Canadiens fans give a new coach or gm. Assuming of course that they liked the hire(s) and didn't start criticizing the minute the person was hired.

This is not madness. This is brilliant. If St.Louis shows well the Canadiens will win some games, but not enough to impact our draft pick and they can sign him for the first couple of years of the re-set. If not, they have a full off season to conduct the search for a replacement. Right now, the Canadiens need a new, fresh voice with credibility and Hhof and Stanley Cup winner M. StLouis ticks all those boxes. Besides, who else that we would want was available mid-season?

I would be surprised if he won’t. It only makes sense from a prospect management perspective.

I think you are wrong based on the fact that Petry is still skating well. I think this is a focus issue which can be fixed. In any case, there is no sense in trading Petry right now at a discount: especially since we don’t have a replacement ready.

My intention wasn’t to defend Bergevin but just to point out that Perry’s deal was reasonable when it was signed. I believe Petry started the season playing hurt and couldn’t handle his forced rise to our #1 D. I think he will be fine next season in a 2, 3 or 4 role. I think comparisons to Gomez are premature.

I am sure that at least 25 other GMs would have happily signed Petry to the extension Bergevin did. I’m also sure that many of these same GMs will be trying to get Petry at a discount. I hope that our new VP and GM are canny enough not to sell assets at pennies on the dollar just to clear space. Although I’m not really sure why they would be in a hurry to dump Petry anways. One subpar season does not mean he’s done

I agree. I would be surprised -and disappointed- if Gorton goes that far down the scorched earth path. I know that this is not a popular opinion but I do not believe that this team is as far away from being a contender as some people think.

Sounds like the asking price for Jacob Chychrun is similar to what Vegas paid for Eichel. At the price point, maybe he would be worth kicking tires on for Anderson, the rights to Harris and our 1s next year fixed that for you.

Yes. Laval would be best for him Imho. But, as long as they are going to play him he has to be no lower than the third line and when all the players you mention are out, I think that makes him our first line right wing.

My point was that we don’t know that yet.Martin St Louis wasn’t lighting up the NHL at 20

He’s 20 years old. He has time to develop.

That why I have him in the trade only if the return is good category. But, given his age and contract as you mentioned, and our abysmal centre depth, I would need to see an outstanding return to be happy with a Dvorak trade at the deadline.

I edited my list to add Youppi to the “keep” list😎

I don't know about "everyone on the table" but at this point I'm open to anyone being traded as long as the return is excellent. Here is are my lists of where I think the players should be categorized by the new regime-- but of course, since I can't read Gorton's mind, except for the obvious "What the F@@K have I gotten myself into!" I don't expect him to agree with me. And, or course I am aware that Carey Price controls his own destiny and may refuse to be traded. Only player whose category I am unsure of is Dvorak...I originally had him in the "Keep" category as our centre depth is so abysmal. Obviously, I don't think tearing the whole thing down and jettisoning contracts while retaining salary is the way to go. Keep Suzuki Romanov Caufield Evans Edmunston Lehkonen Poelhing Clague Ylonen Anderson Youppi Trade Chiarot Armia Byron Paquette Perrault Nicu Penzetta Kulak Wideman Montembault ( not sure who would trade for him but if you could get a 7th, go for it) Dauphin (ditto) Trade if return is reasonable (ie., a real asset(s) with minimal salary retention or multiple assets with significant retention) Drouin Price Petry Toffoli Hoffman Gallagher Dvorak Allen Savard

I think Geoff Molson should put Alan Vigneault on retainer right now.... just give him some $$ for right of first refusal. I think, given the hiring criteria that he would have to be at the top of the list for new coach. I was hoping for Touginy but he is in Arizona. Maybe he could be a throw in on the Chychrun trade?

Patience, Grasshopper, Patience. I don't want Mr. Gorton to rush into anything.

14 years a head coach in USports, Olympian, Hall of Famer, 2 plus years of head of Player Development with an NHL team... to me she seems to fit the current parameters very well.

Danielle Goyette Director of player development for the Maple laughs would be a bold choice

I read somewhere that Madden is very introverted and doesn't like the spotlight. If that is true, I wonder if Molson could spend enough to lure him north as Timmins replacement? It would be another AGM role, but if he had any interest in being closer to home....

Roberto Luoungo? He has some experience with Hockey Canada.

Too bad we weren't in on Eichel since this season seems like its going to be a write-off, but our need on D is even greater. Pain for Shane, here we come!

The way things are going this looks like it might be a SEASON summary😢