illWill

You say that as if losing Niemi is a bad thing. Shaw will be missed and he had a monster season, but he was always in and out of the lineup anyway. And why is it going to be a long season because the Coyotes spent more cap money? Last year wasn't fun for you? I think a lot of people underestimate how young the roster is up front and the room for growth that exists with not only them, but the rookies looking to crack the lineup. I think this is a pretty well balanced and deep team once all is said and done. Add a top 4 LD and I wouldn't have any complaints about them.

Armia was one of my favorite Habs last season. He might be one of the best I've seen at takeaways

I must be in the minority of people that want to keep Drouin, I think he is a big piece of our core moving forward. He is on a relatively cheap contract for what he currently produces combined with his potential. Plus I just enjoy watching him play

My god some of the stuff I read on here makes me question the state of humanity

Is Aho worth 2 firsts, 1 second and 1 third round pick, AND taking up 9-10 million in cap space? Honest question. That's a heavy price to pay no matter which way you look at it. Remember the majority of us didn't want to spend that on Duchene and that is without losing the draft picks. Most of the reasoning being that we want to be able to afford our own players when their contract is up. Why is Aho so special we should sell the farm for him? This offer sheet by Bergevin is conservative in both AAV and draft pick compensation, but flexes the power of the Canadiens money. If this works it will be a brilliant move, if it doesn't, no harm done.

It is a great trade this year for the Leafs, but Barrie is UFA next year, as well as Jake Muzzin. Whereas Kadri has 3 years left on a great contract, that's why he has so much value. Colorado has their top two centers MacKinnon and Kadri locked up for about 11 million per year over that time, that is more impressive than the Leafs filling a hole for a season. I doubt anyone here would have liked to trade Gallagher for example, for a LD with an expiring contract.

Here's a question: if Carolina decides not to match, can they announce that to make the offer sheet official, or do we have to wait for the 7 days to expire?

Please tell us what you would do if you were Bergevin

Oh and just to reiterate, Aho SIGNED this offer sheet, meaning he likes the contract. Him and the Canes were not able to reach an agreement before this. But Bergevin should have given the player MORE than he wanted.

What the hell are you guys talking about? You're complaining about an offer sheet? Don't want a chance at signing an elite 21 year old on a steal of a contract? Hate that he tried? Did he kidnap your dog? Must be something I don't understand

Good to have you back!

You never addressed what I said about the term. Carolina was try to get an 8 year deal, and by doing so it pushes the AAV up. Montreal offered a 5 year deal, meaning that Aho would be a UFA at the end of the deal, and then be able to cash in again. Might want to wipe the spit up off your shirt. Like the out of the box but hate how we don't know if it worked yet? Let's start flinging feces everywhere! 1. If we get Aho and assuming the season goes well, odds are next to zero that we have to worry about winning/losing the lottery. 2. Aho would be an UFA after 5 years, not 3 3. Everything I seen today with rival GMs commenting about the offer sheet indicates they understand it is within the rules and fair game

Welcome back, we haven't heard from you since the Habs had a great season. I see you still think Bergevin is a moron despite the majority thinking otherwise, but I'll play along. Bergevin clearly stated that they weighed all of the options and considered offering more AAV. The main issue here is not only the 21 million lump sum in year 1, but also the 5 year term. Carolina wanted an 8 year term buying up some UFA years, so the AAV would increase along with that. Or Bergevin is a moron and you know better, whatever.

Live view of Bergevin walking into the press conference

They would have to add an additional first round pick if it is over 8.5 m per year