Habs Fan in Edmonton

Agree on both counts. I am thinking more of moving late twenties (likely Winnipeg's pick) to mid teens. Not easy or cheap. I don't count 14 years ago as recent, just the only one I could think of off the top of my head.

I can think of one example where the Habs did move up in the draft. In 2010 they moved up 5 spots from 27 to 22 to draft Jarred Tinordi. It cost them a 2nd round pick and they also got a 4th round pick back. It didn't turn out great for them but Tinordi is still around.

I think your foggy memory is correct. I do remember Hughes saying he tried to trade up. However it's a difficult thing to do as teams are usually unwilling to trade down in the 1st round. I can't think of any recent examples.

The biggest risk is Tanev gets hurt then you get nothing. Given the physical shot blocking style of Tanev, that is certainly a possibility. I am sure Conroy had numerous conversations with other GM's and had a pretty good idea what the market was.

I would agree, because of the term left it would be more of a "hockey trade". Matheson is a nice story, local boy returning home and doing very well. I seriously doubt Hughes is looking to trade him, it would have to be a great offer.

I agree with all your points. They do need some experience on defense and I am not sure Hughes is ready to trade a hometown boy like Matheson unless the return is really really good. He does have a lot of value. I wouldn't trade Savard for a 2nd round pick either, I suspect he stays until the deadline next year.

I agree, if getting a late 2nd is the best you can do then you might as well keep him for another year. It could be a quiet deadline for Hughes.

Tanev is a 34 year old UFA, it was either sign him or lose him for nothing. I think they got a decent return. A 2nd and 3rd is not bad even if Grushnikov doesn't turn out.

I agree, it would be costly. But we do need help up front. I wonder how much market value Hutson has?

Absolutely agree. I think it's time to bundle some picks and a young defense prospect to get a higher draft pick and get another stud forward. While Reichel is interesting, I am not sure he is the guy they need.

Let the arms race begin!!

Reichel certainly has some talent, excellent passer, has really struggled this year but put up some good numbers in the AHL and 15 points in 23 games with the Hawks in his first stint with the big team. Still only 21.

I also think that is more likely. In order to trade up you need a partner willing to trade down and that doesn't happen often. The Habs are at the point where they need quality not quantity especially up front. I would be willing to trade a couple 1st rounders (not their own, maybe Winnipeg's and the extra one next year) and a 2nd or maybe Harris to move up and get the guy you want.

I have followed Iginla a lot recently. He is definitely growing on me. Could the Habs trade up to get another 1st round pick in the mid 1st round to get this guy. Also one of the youngest guys in the draft.

I agree, it's not perfect but useful for outliers. Montreal was a 500 team for a long time but huge on the minus side. The plus/minus basically said Montreal won a lot of close games (they did in OT) but had some really bad ones. Not sustainable. Ottawa has obviously lost a lot of closer ones.

Just looking at Vancouver's roster, Connor Garland has a similar contract (1 year less) and has struggled bit this year.

Agreed, he might be a good match. Similar age, good skater, has some skill. If Vancouver values Anderson's physical play then there could be a good fit there.

Ottawa losing, Buffalo losing, Montreal winning, I guess not every night can be good for draft positioning.

Perhaps but maybe not. After next year he has only 2years left on his contract so then a buyout might make sense if he hasn't recovered.

You might be right. Anderson at his best can be a force and other teams are aware of what he could potentially bring unlike a slow and somewhat broken down Gallagher. I can't think of a player who might fit that category but they may be out there.

100% agree with that. Secondary scoring is the team's biggest weakness. There is nobody outside the 1st line that other teams worry about.

I feel the same way. What will happen will happen. I expect a Habs win, Monty looks good tonight.

I agree about Gallagher. Anderson is tough to move but easier than Gallagher. The only sensible thing to do with Anderson is to hope he has a rebound year next year and regains some value. Then make a decision. I don't believe Anderson is over the hill at 29. Hughes will be patient with this one.

Perhaps it isn't but I would like to see what this team would look like with a healthy Dach for a year. Maybe that is too much to hope for.

Neither is Gallagher. How do you propose getting rid of him?