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Everyone acts like PLD is an irredeemable bum, and maybe he is, but I think it’s foolish to dismiss the very real probability of a turnaround. I mean, I’m glad the Habs didn’t trade for him, because we are not in the same situation as Washington. But he came off two consecutive 60-point seasons before landing in LA; and he is 25. Treating him like he’s Alex Galchenyuk is pretty shallow IMHO.

Actually, I don’t think this is such a bad deal for the Caps. If he continues to suck, sure, they’re saddled with a bad contract, but so what? They have zero future anyway. All it will mean is that they’re carrying PLD through a process of bottoming out and then rebuilding. If it takes another two years for Ovie to retire and the team to commit to a rebuild, at that point there will be 5 years left on his deal. Then say the rebuild takes 3-4 years. OK, he’s a problem only at the very end of his contract. A rebuilding team can carry a bad contract (just as we’ve carried a couple, painlessly, through our rebuild). Now let’s imagine the other scenario. PLD regains his form. Boom, they’ve got a 60+ point power centreman to help extend Ovechkin’s career, further postponing the rebuild. Once Ovie retires, PLD would either then become a valuable trade chip, or a veteran cornerstone piece for the kids to follow. Seems to me they’re an example of a team that was in the position to roll the dice on this guy, knowing they can’t really lose either way.

Agree 100%, it wouldn't surprise me at all if he has a decent (60 points) year in Washington. He has had some good years in the past and like you say, he is only 25.

My guess is that HuGo didn’t even engage in PLD talks. Not interested

Demidov keeps coming us as the #1 guess among most mock-drafters. Either of these kids or Buium/Parekh or Iginla/Catton work fine for me. 5. Montreal Canadiens Kimelman -- Ivan Demidov: The 18-year-old dominated Russia's junior league, showcasing his dynamic offensive skill set and outstanding skating, and he'll likely get the chance next season to test those skills in the KHL. Demidov is under contract with SKA St. Petersburg through the 2024-25 season, so a little patience could be met with a great reward for the Canadiens. Morreale -- Cayden Lindstrom: He remains a top forward option in this draft despite missing 36 regular-season games because of injuries to his back and hand. He had 46 points (27 goals, 19 assists) in 32 games prior to getting injured and had two points (one goal, one assist) and 17 shots on goal in four WHL playoff games. https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/nhl-draft/mock-2024-nhl-draft-opinions-vary-after-1st-2-picks

Who is the Left D, who has the potential to be a top pair two-way guy, with the type of defence you can hope to play against top lines. The only one with that kind of potential is Reinbacher and he's a Right D. Mailloux and Hutson are are more puck movers than the rugged two way defenceman like Guhle. Xhekaj doesn't have the potential to be a top pair defenceman who you put out against other team's number 1 line for 20+ minutes a game IMO. Harris, Struble, are also likely to top out as second pair and not a top pair guy even if they reach their ceiling. The moment you trade Guhle, you are looking for another Guhle. These are the types of defencemen who we see on teams that go deep in the playoffs. I can see trading a defenceman, but my prediction is that Guhle, Hutson, Reinbacher, and Mailloux won't be the guy traded..... Xhekaj could be, but that seems unlikely too. Barron, Struble, Harris, seem the likely defenders to be moved.... Savard too from an older perspective.

I had been hoping to see him add some muscle but it hasn't happened yet. It's true that defensemen take longer to develop and hope you are right that he has a break out season soon. Maybe instead of replacing him with another defensemen you draft another forward at 6 if there is a guy there you really want, hoping your other existing young defensemen develop. We still have Matheson and Savard as a veteran presence. At the end of the day, I doubt Guhle gets traded. I do agree with hab29RETIRED that I would prefer Matheson gets traded to improve scoring up front, especially while his market value is likely at a peak. It would also be nice if some combination of (Winnipeg's 1st, Harris/Struble etc, multiple other picks) could help us move up in the draft as that would be my preferred scenario. I think this is the summer Hughes trades at least 1 young defensemen. That is my prediction.