Habs Fan in Edmonton

Gomez was a brutal trade but Cammalleri had a phenomenal playoff (led all players in goals) and carried that team in the playoffs. They weren't that good in the regular season, actually gave up more goals than they scored, but snuck into the playoffs and went on an unexpected run.

Also agree, let the kids play, makes mistakes, it's part of the process.

Komisarek was a reasonably effective NHL defensemen when paired with Markov. Markov was a great partner to have. He became a UFA and signed a 22.5M, 5 year contract with the Leafs. The Habs were smart not to match. The Leafs soon realized he wasn't that good, not without a partner like Markov anyway.

Perhaps, but when I think of Gainey the GM, despite what good things he may have done, I can't help but think back to the Gomez trade. Sometimes a trade works out very badly but you can see the logic at the time. That trade, in the salary cap era, was mind boggling right from the beginning. I absolutely loved Gainey the player. The GM not so much.

I am hoping 32 with our pick. Top 10 with the Calgary/Florida pick. Call me an optimist.

Top 10 ranking by one scout after the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/an-early-ranking-of-the-top-10-prospects-for-2025-nhl-draft/

Yeah but with Anderson and Gally you are retaining for 3 years. With Savard it's only 1 year and you would get a better return retaining, especially at the deadline when contenders are tight against the cap. I think with Anderson and Gally we just need to be patient and let time value decay the value of their contracts. Maybe Anderson has a rebound season and is easier to move.

Askarov to the Sharks https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/san-jose-sharks-acquire-goaltender-yaroslav-askarov-from-nashville-predators-1.2165191

Watched some clips of Emile Guite who had a very good Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he can really shoot the puck. I have seen him listed as early 2nd round in some very early mock drafts. Might be an option for a late 1st, early second round pick. What we learned on Day 5 of the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup (nhlentrydraft.com)

One #14 pick (2022) for another #14 pick (2023), seems fair.

McGroaty to the Penguins apparently Trade Alert: Rutger McGroarty finally traded by the Jets, the first rounder is on the move (canucksdaily.com)

That's great to hear. The Habs are obviously a tight knit group. Bodes well for the season. I know I would feel much more comfortable joining a team knowing Arber is on my side.

Good point about his IQ, he did fit in well with talented players at the World Juniors. This is a big year for him.

Yes, we are growing accustomed to injuries, seeing them as inevitable now. Maybe, just maybe we will get lucky this year?

If Roy starts on the 2nd line then he will have to earn it in training camp. When I saw Roy in his stint with the Habs last year I did not see a top 6 guy, more of a responsible 3rd line guy which is fine. However he is young (just turned 21) and this is his year to prove himself. St. Louis will make adjustments as he goes along, like he did last year. Hopefully Dach stays healthy so St. Louis won't have to experiment much, I think Newhook is more effective as a winger.

Let's get going. Montreal Canadiens Juraj Slafkovsky on Patrik Laine acquisition: ‘I was so happy’ | TSN

Yup, Dvorak has zero future with the Canadiens, especially with Beck coming up. Savard will likely be the last retention slot unless some remarkable deal comes their way. Dvorak will almost certainly finish out the year and then we wish him the best in his future endeavours.

That makes sense, thanks for clarifying. I can see why not having Price on LTIR is advantageous.

I am also reluctant to trade Mailloux, would have to be for something really good. I see him being an excellent power play quarterback, his shooting skills are elite.

I did not hear that part of the interview. That would mean another deal on the horizon.

Maybe Gallagher instead of Anderson?

I am guessing the Johansen situation will take a while to play out as he will contest this.

I think Hughes likely went hard after McGroaty, didn't work out and pivoted to Laine. I don't see McGroaty coming to Montreal now. With Price on LTIR, they will be under the cap. I don't see any more big moves in the short term but could be dead wrong.

I think everyone here is excited to see what a healthy Laine can bring to the Habs. He is still only 26, he sounds happy to be here. Plus Demidov coming in a year and a healthy Dach this year. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about the Habs.

There was never any doubt about Arturi's skating ability. He could keep up with anyone. He was and is a hard worker, and a 200 foot player who every coach had confidence in. He just couldn't seem to score consistently enough in Montreal whether it was a lack of confidence, not playing with the right players, who knows. He certainly had his chances but just couldn't bury enough of them. It's impossible to say whether he would have blossomed in Montreal if we had kept him. We do know that Colorado has been good to him. Playing a skating game with others who excel at it has been a good recipe for him. Good for him. He is one former Hab I am happy to see do well somewhere else.