Habs Fan in Edmonton

I think it's most definitely fair to say that.

I agree, I think Hughes has shown the right amount of patience and is sticking to the plan. After having a good run of success during the Getzlaf/Perry years the Ducks haven't made the playoffs since 2018 so I think they are getting a little impatient. They have some really good young pieces and some good vets so I wouldn't be surprised to see some significant improvement this year from them.

Absolutely they are, getting Krieder who is 34 is a clear signal they want some immediate improvement. They are not far from competing for a playoff spot

Yes, not a great comparison when I thought about it in more detail. Thornton was much more advanced but still relatively young.

Absolutely. Giving up a young forward with a lot of potential, especially a center, can really come back to haunt you (.ie Joe Thornton comes to mind immediately) so you better get a good return.

I really like Mailloux as a prospect but he has a lot to prove at the NHL level. Matheson is a proven NHL commodity and would command more in terms of trade value at this point.

There is little doubt that Markov was the perfect partner for Komisarek. It allowed Komy to play a simple game and let Markov worry about moving the puck. Then Komisarek took the big bucks in Toronto, tried to do too much and was completely lost.

Misinterpretations of old rumours. Starting to sound like Habs fans are starving for some Habs news. Lol Marinaro has some good guests.

Interesting, I would gladly take a repeat of 2015 please.

I am aware of this rumour, but there have been others and this one did clearly say a former 1st round pick. Just can't remember exactly where I heard it.

As per my query, I found the answer. https://thehockeywriters.com/success-rates-of-nhl-draft-picks/ For example the 26th pick has a 60% chance of playing 100+ NHL games and a 38% chance of playing 300 + NHL. games. Arber has already played 165 NHL games. Would you take the 26th pick for him. I would say NO but others likely have a different opinion.

I have heard rumours of the Habs being offered a 1st for Arber. Can't remember where I heard it and who really knows what the Habs may or may not have been offered for him. Rumours are just that, rumours. It is a good question of whether you would take a 1st rounder for Arber. I think his value has slipped a bit and I assume we would be talking of a late 1st rounder. The potential is there for Arber to turn into a valuable player but he has some work to do. A 1st round pick, especially late 1st rounders, don't always work out, not sure what the % is.

In my opinion a massive overpay for 2 aging players who are overpaid. Barry Trotz couldn't say yes fast enough.

Someone at Leafs nation thinks the same way you do. I didn't think of Perbix as better than Carrier but I haven't followed him as closely as you do. I guess we will find out July 1st what kind of demand there is for him unless Tampa signs him before then. https://theleafsnation.com/news/why-toronto-maple-leafs-should-pursue-nick-perbix-free-agency

Yes the cap is going up BUT if I am going to overpay I would rather do it for high end talent (ie 2nd line center) as opposed to a 3rd pairing defensemen which I think we have covered.

I think the first 2 are reasonable, the 2nd one perhaps likely. I think 4million/year is too much for basically a 3rd pairing defensemen.

I would call it ugly, taking on 13.5M in salary for guys who are 34 and 35. No thanks.

I agree, Bennett would be great but I just don't see the Habs outbidding all the other teams, especially after the playoff he is having. Granlund is more realistic.

And that's my point, Hague wouldn't be an upgrade in any pairing.

Agreed, Primeau did some really good work in the AHL but he couldn't carry it over to the NHL. It happens.

I also hope not. Xhekaj has more talent and a higher ceiling than Hague. Still working on the discipline part.

Exactly, Primeau and Fowler both had 2 great years in college. A valid comparison.

He certainly produced better in Boston. One concern I have is that the Bruins would be unlikely to trade him to a division rival without an overpay. I still like Granlund, the cost for Bennett is soaring as he is having a phenomenal playoff, he certainly picked a good time to get hot.

I really don't see why the Habs would be hot on the trail of Hague. Who would he replace?

Tend to agree about Zacha, has averaged 45 points/82 games over his career, would not be a significant upgrade. Kadri on the other hand would be a significant upgrade.