Habs Fan in Edmonton

I guess we just saw the definition of "off topic"

Most certainly, size was the only reason he dropped to 15.

I think they are different types of players, Caulfield more of a sniper, Gaudreau is a better skater and more of a dangler. I sure hope Caulfield works out, he sure can shoot puck the puck.

Those are pretty darn good 2nd round picks. Hopefully the Habs can do the same thing with one of their 2nd round picks. That's why I keep cheering for Chicago to lose, woud like that pick to be high in the 2nd round.

Agree, I didn't suggest the Habs give up that much, I suggested the price for Byfield would likely be less than the price suggested for Lafreniere. Let's say the Habs have the 10th pick. would you give up that pick and Caulfield to move up to no 2 to get Byfield? Would that be enough?

Yup. A lot of teams probably regret passing on Getzlaf, was the 19th player taken in the 2003 draft and I would argue the best player from that draft.

I would take a young Ryan Getzlaf any day of the week.

I like Byfield, probably the youngest player in this draft, has been a beast for Sudbury this year. He did not shine at the world juniors but neither did Lafreniere last year. Lafreniere is almost a whole year older than Byfield, that's a big difference at this age. I love Byfield's size and skating ability.

That's a lot to give up. Having said that it would be worth it if you got a McDavid/McKinnon type player however I don't think Lafreniere is projected to be that. It would also put a whole lot of pressure on a French Canadian kid to be the saviour. A lot of #1 picks have not lived up to the hype. I would rather give up less and maybe get Byfield although that's probably a longshot.

Yes, if you can fill a big hole by trading Domi then you have to consider it. In my opinion Domi's trade value is high because of his age, ability and passion for the game. Trading Petry would create a hole in the short term but he is also winding down on the last quarter of his career, depends what you could get. He would definitely be a valuable piece for a contender but is it worth giving him up for a late 1st round pick?

You are really comparing Domi to these guys or am I missing something here? I would take Domi over any of those guys without even thinking about it. Not even close!!

Those are my thoughts as well. Young players need role models and mentors, can't trade all the vets.

There are examples on both sides when it comes to tanking. No question Edmonton and Buffalo have been abysmal. But Chicago (Kane and Toews) and Pittsburgh (Malkin and Crosby) did pretty well after they tanked. The key is not having it go on so long that you develop a losing culture. Of course you need to draft and develop well so you can surround the stars you get from tanking with good players,.

I don't disagree with your point but Domi's age is a big consideration here. The return would have to really good to trade him, certainly would not trade him for a pick in the last half of the first round. With Domi you have a pretty good idea of what you have, a guy who will play with a lot of passion and likely score 60-70 points consistently. Tatar is also valuable and still relatively young while Petry at 32 has more good years behind him than ahead of him.

To end up with the same record as last year Montreal would have to go 22-8-1 in it's last 31 games. Not impossible but very tough especially missing some key guys. And that wasn't good enough to make the playoffs last year.

I figured you meant it as a joke. Subban doesn't seem like the player he once was.

Some would definitely argue that especially when you take into account the difference in their contracts. Subban is definitely not a $9 million/year player right now. Tatar is far better value.

Brendan Gallagher says NO!!

Not suggesting the Habs do this but let's say they end up with the 10th overall pick in the draft. How far could they move up by offering the 10th pick and Caufield? Would love to get Byfield, he could be the big strong #1 centre you dream about having. I think Caufield will either be a 40 goal scorer in the NHL or a bust, no in between.

He certainly can! Thanks for posting the highlights Commandant.

Agree with your thoughts on this. If I am trading Petry then I want young talent, not someone who is likely to head elsewhere next year.

Agree, I think there would also be a lot of suitors for Tatar who has been a very consistent performer. I think Tatar would be worth at least a 1st round pick otherwise there is no point in trading him. Trading Petry or Tatar or both would certainly free up some cap room. Not sure who the prize fee agents are this summer.

I think you are absolutely right, low risk move by Bergevin to help the team. It's looking pretty good right now, Kovy has generated excitement, helped the team win a few games and if they have a bad couple weeks can be flipped for a decent draft pick (2nd - 4th round) at the deadline. There will be teams wanting him now.

I really respect Kovy for giving up all that money just so he could play. It's refreshing to see an athlete care a lot more about playing than just the money. I am really cheering for him.

Agree, that's 3 good looking lines. I guess it depends on what it would cost to resign Kovalchuk, don't think you would go for more than 1 year.