The Route for a 1st line RW

[JoeLassister]

Well... seems like no one on this board want to do anything to address our 1st line RW situation.

Vanek didn't stay. Parenteau was a bust.

Maybe everyone believe that Gallagher is the perfect fit for a top line RW position.

Or that the replacement will, one day, come from Scherbak.

I don't agree with any of these statements (at least not 2-3 years before Scherbak becomes 1st line player in the NHL) and I'm trying to figure out what would be the best approach for Bergevin regarding 1st line RW.

Should we try Galchenyuk on RW ?

The UFA route ? All I see is at best some 2nd line RW like Frolik, Stafford and Williams.

Submit Tarasenko a totally insane offer sheet and deal Prust and/or Eller and/or Emelin for picks or prospects ?

Smith-Pelly / Weise ?!?

A trade including Plek/DD/Eller + Fucale + Pateryn/Tinordi + 1st pickssss ( a.k.a. the Seguin miracle) ??

All I see right now is a big hole at 1st line RW. You guys ?

[DON]

No one wants to upgrade RW...whaaaat? Seems many have made varied proposals on various threads and lots more opinions to come leading up to Wed for sure.

In fact it seems many are focused on just that one position and for good reason.

[JoeLassister]

No one proposed anything close to adding a REAL 1st liner on RW no.

All we see are proposals for Frolik or Stafford.

[hab29RETIRED]

I've been saying for the past year, put together a package of Plex+ for yakapov.

Well... seems like no one on this board want to do anything to address our 1st line RW situation.

Vanek didn't stay. Parenteau was a bust.

Maybe everyone believe that Gallagher is the perfect fit for a top line RW position.

Or that the replacement will, one day, come from Scherbak.

I don't agree with any of these statements (at least not 2-3 years before Scherbak becomes 1st line player in the NHL) and I'm trying to figure out what would be the best approach for Bergevin regarding 1st line RW.

Should we try Galchenyuk on RW ?

The UFA route ? All I see is at best some 2nd line RW like Frolik, Stafford and Williams.

Submit Tarasenko a totally insane offer sheet and deal Prust and/or Eller and/or Emelin for picks or prospects ?

Smith-Pelly / Weise ?!?

A trade including Plek/DD/Eller + Fucale + Pateryn/Tinordi + 1st pickssss ( a.k.a. the Seguin miracle) ??

All I see right now is a big hole at 1st line RW. You guys ?

[JGC21]

I've been saying for the past year, put together a package of Plex+ for yakapov.

Problem is, EDM need a 'ready now' d-man. Who do we have to give them? Beaulieu, Pateryn?

They won't want Markov or Emelin (both of which have NTC). They won't want Gilbert. Tinordi has zero value, plus they just traded for a D prospect in Reinhart.

No way MB trades Subban, Petry or Beaulieu. As much as I would love Yakupov, MTL and EDM don't mesh together as logical trade partners.

JGC

[Jeff Price (no relation)]

I'd be happy with a top 10 RW or a top 10 C.

We're not getting both. It's hard enough to get either.

[DON]

A real 1st line RW? And what is that? Tarasenko, Kucherov? 19g Oshie?

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

It's really just a 'trade proposal' thread, isn't it?

And the thing with trade proposals is, you can get all excited about scenario X or Y, but even IF we fancy that it makes sense for the other team (and usually fan proposals are very weak on that aspect of things), it doesn't follow that their GM would agree with us, or that their GM is even interested in moving the player we covet, any more than we are interested in moving, say, Beaulieu or Galchenyuk. (And yet I've read posts where a GM is attacked for 'not doing' some move that some poster advocated, as though it was simply a matter of wiggling one's fingers and calling it into being).

You want a 1st line RW? Then think Phil Kessel. Because he's an elite RW who we know the other team is actively shopping - and apparently they're willing to eat some contract. I'm sure if we gave them Beaulieu +, they'd send us Kessel back. Do I want to make that move? No. But at least Kessel is within the realm of the realistic.

[Machine of Loving Grace]

No one proposed anything close to adding a REAL 1st liner on RW no.

All we see are proposals for Frolik or Stafford.

As I asked in rumours:

So I'm guessing by "1st line RW" you mean a better scorer than Gallagher.

Based on last years scoring stats for RWers (PPG), you're looking at: Patrick Kane, Jakub Voracek, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kyle Okposo, Corey Perry, Mark Stone, Radim Vrbata, Patrick Hornqvist, Nikita Kucherov, Jordan Eberle, Blake Wheeler, T.J. Oshie, Phil Kessel, Marian Hossa, Jarome Iginla, Martin St. Louis, Ryan Callahan, Bobby Ryan, Marian Gaborik, Wayne Simmons, Jason Pominville, Gustav Nyqvist, Mats Zuccarello, Jaromir Jagr and Loui Eriksson

Who do you want Bergevin to acquire?

[illWill]

I'd rather solidify a #1 center than a RW

[JoeLassister]

As I asked in rumours:

So I'm guessing by "1st line RW" you mean a better scorer than Gallagher.

Based on last years scoring stats for RWers (PPG), you're looking at: Patrick Kane, Jakub Voracek, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kyle Okposo, Corey Perry, Mark Stone, Radim Vrbata, Patrick Hornqvist, Nikita Kucherov, Jordan Eberle, Blake Wheeler, T.J. Oshie, Phil Kessel, Marian Hossa, Jarome Iginla, Martin St. Louis, Ryan Callahan, Bobby Ryan, Marian Gaborik, Wayne Simmons, Jason Pominville, Gustav Nyqvist, Mats Zuccarello, Jaromir Jagr and Loui Eriksson

Who do you want Bergevin to acquire?

Yes I mean better than Gallagher. Like I said, in the Rumours thread, if I have to choose the trade route, then Hornqvist, Eberle, Wheeler, Oshie or Simmonds.

But no one seems to come up with anything realistic to bring one of them, so I'm wondering how you guys upgrade Gallagher if it's not by the trade route.

I'd rather solidify a #1 center than a RW

Still confident that Galchenyuk will reach that within 2 years so i'm going straight to RW, personally.

[dlbalr]

Yes I mean better than Gallagher. Like I said, in the Rumours thread, if I have to choose the trade route, then Hornqvist, Eberle, Wheeler, Oshie or Simmonds.

But no one seems to come up with anything realistic to bring one of them, so I'm wondering how you guys upgrade Gallagher if it's not by the trade route.

Hornqvist is Crosby's winger and thrived. He's not moving. Eberle, maybe he moves. Wheeler just signed long-term so that's not happening. Oshie is only a small upgrade on Gallagher when you take a closer look (still worth looking at though). Simmonds is on a very cap friendly deal long-term so he's probably not moving anywhere either.

So we're down to Eberle and Oshie. Eberle's not moving for a rental so for those who want to throw Plekanec in there, not happening. Edmonton could use a top flight blueliner, but Montreal doesn't have one to spare (no, Emelin and Gilbert aren't going to cut it). I don't see a good fit and they're not moving him for futures either since they're making moves to compete now.

Oshie's a bit more palatable. They're down on him after being a no-show in the playoffs yet again. They could use a bit of blueline help and if they're looking to shake up the team, they may be more open to a futures type of return. But how much of an upgrade is he on Gallagher?

Last 3 years:

Oshie: 181 GP, 135 points (17 playoff GP, 6 points)

Gallagher: 207 GP, 116 points (34 playoff GP, 18 points)

Oshie's the better regular season player but he hasn't played well in four straight postseasons while Gallagher is improving yearly and plays well in the playoffs. The two together wouldn't be a bad one-two punch at all but Oshie is far from a top flight RW'er.

So of your list, only Oshie is a real possibility for the Habs. And with two years left at a pretty good cap hit, he won't come cheap.

Personally, it's not a matter of upgrading the RW that matters most. It's simply upgrading period. They need more offence. Does it really matter what forward position it comes from? If it's at the left wing, that's fine too - as long as the offence improves, that's fine by me. There aren't a whole lot of options to upgrade on Gallagher right now. They're likely looking at a second line type of winger. That's not as tantalizing as adding a top line player but given their cap constraints, it would still be a welcome improvement.

From an asset management perspective, what's better for the Habs:

- Trade a big package for Oshie, a 55-60 point player, or

- Sign a 40 point RW in free agency and keep the players/picks you'd have dealt for Oshie? (To perhaps use to help fill another void on the roster.)

[BlueKross]

I'd rather solidify a #1 center than a RW

Agree 100%

[Dalhabs]

It's really just a 'trade proposal' thread, isn't it?

And the thing with trade proposals is, you can get all excited about scenario X or Y, but even IF we fancy that it makes sense for the other team (and usually fan proposals are very weak on that aspect of things), it doesn't follow that their GM would agree with us, or that their GM is even interested in moving the player we covet, any more than we are interested in moving, say, Beaulieu or Galchenyuk. (And yet I've read posts where a GM is attacked for 'not doing' some move that some poster advocated, as though it was simply a matter of wiggling one's fingers and calling it into being).

You want a 1st line RW? Then think Phil Kessel. Because he's an elite RW who we know the other team is actively shopping - and apparently they're willing to eat some contract. I'm sure if we gave them Beaulieu +, they'd send us Kessel back. Do I want to make that move? No. But at least Kessel is within the realm of the realistic.

If someone can pls fix this - rating to a +. My finger was to big on my ipad and I accidently got - instead of +.

[ICEWATER77]

I got you Dal..Careful next time, Chic doesn't deserve that

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

If someone can pls fix this - rating to a +. My finger was to big on my ipad and I accidently got - instead of +.

[Zowpeb]

As much as a stud #1 C would be a welcome addition I don't think it's a necessity.

Move Galchenyuk to the 1st line C for the full year and Pleks to 2nd line C. Eller can fill out 3rd line C.

Trade for Kessel to line up with Galchenyuk and Pacioretty. That's a first line that could put up huge points...and could allow Galchenyuk to develop into a real offensive threat. Not sure what the Leafs want but I'd assume a 1st round pick, a halfway decent prospect and a d-man from the roster...especially if they eat some salary (not sure how that impacts the cap).

Sign a LWer for the 2nd line with Pleks and Gallagher. Martin Erat might be worth a look...I see him as a rebound candidate (a productive guy till he left Nashville - used wrong in Washington and, well, Arizona is Arizona).

Find a way to dump DD's, Parenteau's and Gonchar's salaries to help pay for Erat, Kessel and some of the re-signings that need to happen. Even better if Gonchar or DD can move in part of a Kessel deal to make the cap work...but that's probably wishful thinking without taking back some other equally off-setting Leaf slug.

Habs have enough depth on D to make this work and still look strong there...

[Machine of Loving Grace]

Martin Erat!?

Woof. I'll see my way out.

[Guest Stogey24]

As much as a stud #1 C would be a welcome addition I don't think it's a necessity.

Move Galchenyuk to the 1st line C for the full year and Pleks to 2nd line C. Eller can fill out 3rd line C.

Trade for Kessel to line up with Galchenyuk and Pacioretty. That's a first line that could put up huge points...and could allow Galchenyuk to develop into a real offensive threat. Not sure what the Leafs want but I'd assume a 1st round pick, a halfway decent prospect and a d-man from the roster...especially if they eat some salary (not sure how that impacts the cap).

Sign a LWer for the 2nd line with Pleks and Gallagher. Martin Erat might be worth a look...I see him as a rebound candidate (a productive guy till he left Nashville - used wrong in Washington and, well, Arizona is Arizona).

Find a way to dump DD's, Parenteau's and Gonchar's salaries to help pay for Erat, Kessel and some of the re-signings that need to happen. Even better if Gonchar or DD can move in part of a Kessel deal to make the cap work...but that's probably wishful thinking without taking back some other equally off-setting Leaf slug.

Habs have enough depth on D to make this work and still look strong there...

Ummm...

[nihilz]

Martin Erat!?

Woof. I'll see my way out.

Boedker

This core would only compliment his abilities. Imo he would flourish.

European city and hopefully another Dane will invigorate or spark Eller.

[Machine of Loving Grace]

Boedker

This core would only compliment his abilities. Imo he would flourish.

European city and hopefully another Dane will invigorate or spark Eller.

Much better. Big fan of Boedker.

[KoRP]

I think Frolik would be a good addition to improve the roster without taking away anything, but what would it take in term to get him signed?

[hab29RETIRED]

I think Frolik would be a good addition to improve the roster without taking away anything, but what would it take in term to get him signed?

I don't like frolik, because what it would cost for him and the term we'd probably have to give. Most UFA's are going to want at least 4 or 5 years and I think he is going to be looking for $4.5M+. If we could get him for $3.5m/yr for 3 years, i think he'd be a great choice.

Frankly, i hate signing UFA's, as you usually overpay at least on term or $ and in a lot of cases both. I'd much rather go after an RFA (Tarasanko) or go after a promising young player that has been in the league 2 to 3 years, before their price goes to high (Yakapov), or a young player who has proven himself and his best years should still be ahead of him (Saad).

I'm tired of getting washed up, over-priced bums like Gomez, Briere, PAP, whose best years are behind them and that's why I don't want anything to do with Sharp and certainly not Versteeg. We have veterans like Subban, Price and MaxPac who are all going to be in that sweet 26-28 age range that can lead the club. We don't need so called veteran leaders (which tends to be the way of selling washed out has-beens to fans). This is a young man's game and I'd rather pick up young assets. There is really absolutely no one that i'm excited about in the UFA pool. Could live with Frolik if the term and $'s are okay and he may make us a bit better, but not sure if he is someone who will really help us take that big leap forward. To get from the decent to good regular season team to a true contender, we need to take that big leap and i'd rather take that now, while we still have Price and Maxpac relatively cheap and before we have to throw big money at Galchenyuk.

The days of trying to build through UFA's has long been gone in the cap era. Look at Calgary, they targeted a 22 year old Hamilton and i'd rather be paying him $5.75M for 6 years than $5.5M to Petry for 6 years. Yes, i realize there is no way we could have gotten Hamilton from the Bruins, but the point is, i'd rather trade for a younger player a few years away from being a UFA, than go after someone in their UFA year. Having said that, i think Petry was probably the best UFA of the bunch (someone is probably going to through some very stupid money at Green and even more stupid money at Vermette).

[Jeff Price (no relation)]

Tarasenko would cost a freakin' fortune, both in terms of his upcoming contract with st. Louis, or the maximum number of draft picks if some team gives him an offer sheet high enough to get St. Louis to let him walk.

[hab29RETIRED]

I'd offer $8.5m/years and happily give up the picks.

Blues are up against the cap, who knows, maybe they take the picks?

Tarasenko would cost a freakin' fortune, both in terms of his upcoming contract with st. Louis, or the maximum number of draft picks if some team gives him an offer sheet high enough to get St. Louis to let him walk.