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I heard some speculation that the Jets wouldn't be able to re-up Vilardi and Ehlers today on a podcast. But to me that means the Jets keep Vilardi and let Ehlers walk. The podcast seemed to think otherwise (locked on habs), but to me it seemed wishful thinking that Vilardi would be available.

It will definitely be easier to acquire an old guy who might have 2-3 years left in the tank. That could be done either via UFA or via a moderate-cost trade. Personally, I'm surprised we haven't heard more rumblings around Granlund. Is he a sure bet to re-up in Dallas? I've boldfaced your last sentence because that's what I'm asking. WHO is out there who is in the 25-ish age bracket and might plausibly be available. The only one I'm aware of is Rossi.

If we traded for a 34 year old, like Kadri or someone else in that age bracket, do we have anyone on the Rocket who could grow into the role in the next two years. I believe Hage plays centre but I assume he's 3-4 years away. If we don't have the potential player developing, then I think we need to solve the 2nd line centre position now and acquire a younger, 25 year old age player and not a 34 year old.

Yes, that was where i was gonna go.

Maybe similar level of talent as the 2022 draft?

I agree with your assessment. You can be great friends with someone until you start talking politics. LOL Anyway, I hope Carney's words are more than just talk. I consider myself a fiscal conservative (governments waste too much money) but more of a social liberal. I simply could not vote liberal the past election because their economic record the past 9 years has been abysmal. If you look at Canada's GDP per capita growth the past 9 years compared to any other industrialized country, it's abysmal. You need growth to pay for our social programs or you can take the easy way out and continue to raise taxes. I hope Carney is more than just talk. I am certainly no fan of Trump, I could go on and on but I won't. I will say this though with 100%certainty. Trump pays attention to the stock market. If the stock market doesn't do well during his time in power then he will be massively disappointed. It won't be a dull 4 years.

I’ve been avoiding this thread out of fear that some posters I like/respect would out themselves as MAGA neo-fascists. Phew. Carney handled Trump as well as anyone could. The main “win” would probably be that Trump respects him. This is different from moving that jackass toward a more reasonable position, but it’s something. Notably, the administration seems to be retreating from the massive damage it’s inflicted in a mere four months, given Vance’s comical “mistakes were made” speech in Europe recently and the shrinkage of tariffs against China announced this morning. Yeah, we need SERIOUS government that gets things done and has a steely-eyed assessment of Canada’s economic and strategic needs in an era when the USA is no longer a reliable ally or trading partner. The very early indications are that Carney understands the assignment. But will he be able to move the apparatus of government, known for its sclerotic tendencies, in the desired direction? We shall see.

Who knows, draft is always a crap shoot. 16/17 options seem to be middle pair d-men or forwards with a weakness or two. Could be a Guhle-type solid defensively but not real offensive, but not likely a Caufield to be found.

So far Rossi seems to be the only genuine case of a 2nd-line C who is both within the Habs’ window, age-wise, and who might be realistically available via trade, for contractual reasons. This doesn’t mean we should trade for him. I’m non-committal on that. It does mean that we need to be realistic about the trade market. All the other names seem to be just wind whistling through the pines. Horvat? Maaaaaybe…if NYI decide to rebuild. So far we have no evidence that this will be their direction. Larkin? There’s some smoke out there (including here in Van), but that would be a radical move for that organization, not that far from us trading Suzuki. What other C is out there and has a REALISTIC chance of being on the market?

I’ve heard this draft is weaker but how bad is it? Pick 16/17 this year are like late 20’s picks in other years?

Don't underestimate Mailloux, he's not a subpar AHL player. How good he will be in the NHL remains to be seen but he's not struggling right now. "He's playing the best hockey I've seen him so far. Consistency wise, routes on the ice, killing plays, decisions with the puck, what he does on the special teams. I think he's been playing his best hockey. He's a big piece of our success right now" - Pascal Vincent "It’s true that he is not perfect defensively. His game has a couple of holes that show themselves fairly often, but Mailloux is dominating right now. He looks bigger, faster, and more poised than everyone else on the ice." - Habs Eyes on the Prize (about Mailloux's post-season play)

Sabres have made enough other mistakes over the years, maybe they didn't notice ... or are mesmerized by his offence

Agreed. And the 2025 draft is not that strong, so a 9th pick (which comes with risk) is probably worth less than Mailloux.

Cant hurt Protz & Thorp getting experience practicing with the Rocket, couple weeks of it at least. Rocket Weekly: A Strong Start to the Playoffs – HabsWorld.net The Series Ahead After a long layoff at the end of the regular season, Laval has, well, another long layoff here. Due to some arena conflicts in Rochester and their decision to decline to play a 2-2-1 over the 2-3 structure, Laval will go more than a week between games (and even longer for the Amerks). Nonetheless, the schedule has been set, one that features plenty of time between games. Game 1: May 14 in Rochester Game 2: May 16 in Rochester Game 3: May 21 in Laval Game 4: May 23 in Laval* Game 5: May 25 in Laval*

I dont think the Habs are looking to move up. I think they would be looking for NHL players.

Habs lack top-4 RH-d also. Mailloux gets caught flat-footed defending AHLers... they say, not sure he would be what Sabres looking for and Reinbacher has very little real pro-experience yet and just cant see Hughes trading him. #11 from Penguins would seem more likely partner, but dlbalr noted they already have lots of picks.

That's what I think unless there is somebody top 10 or 15 they are salivating over.

Couple of articles I read suggest the Sabres are looming for a Top-4 RHD ... so, from a Habs perspective, they might be interested in Mailloux, assuming Reinbacher is untouchable, in any deal ... but I expect HuGo are more interested in acquiring "now" pieces in any trade than any 2025 picks.

With the last two seasons of 21g/40pts and 24/60 (on a team that was 21st and 25th in scoring the those seasons), both full 82 games, he is a more appropriate 2C offensively ... but the size issue is not to be ignored ... ***if*** they went the Rossi route it might signal the need to also add a big, second-line winger

That and the two sides are not even close on contract talks. I get the sense Minny wants to do a bridge to give them more flexibility to add in free agency with the big cap hits for the buyouts now down to just minimal ones while Rossi wants a long-term deal.

The problem with Kadri is that he's not a boys club dirtbag. He's an outsider dirtbag. He will cost you a series. And has in the past. CC is very right about the good ole boys. It appears that Bennet is a good ole boy dirtbag. Pronger, Messier, heck Weber was actually vicious. Full power crosschecks with his unbreakable stick, right in the back. Never a problem. If you want a dirtbag, a good ole boy dirtbag is the best kind. They're rare though.

I would prefer Horvat but I do like Kadri. The only advantage to Kadri is that the cost to acquire would likely be cheaper because of the age difference. His cap hit is also a little lower 7M versus 8.5M

I think Horvat has become my first choice but I really like Kadri and the way he plays. Surely Calgary would like their pick back and I could see a deal being available there.

Kadri is also 34 with a contract that expires when hes 38. Horvat is 30.

Wheeler suggests Sabres might be willing to deal the 9th pick for more immediate help. Kinda doubt that Habs have what Sabres might be looking for? 2025 NHL Mock Draft 1.0: Scott Wheeler predicts the entire first round - The Athletic