Habs Fan in Edmonton

I am glad the Habs aren't giving up BUT we don't need too many more wins.

I think it was a pretty bad hit, got his forearm/elbow up into the guys head and knocked his helmet off. I certainly don't think its typical Beck but that was a bad hit in my opinion.

Not a good hit by Beck. This is a trade that hasn't work out for him for whatever reason.

It is tough to repeat what Pollock did, no GM wants to be known as the GM who gave up Connor Bedard for Ernie Hicke although if Florida falls and we get lucky with the ping pong balls then Connor Bedard for Ben Chiarot is possible.

That's true but it is really too bad he is hurt, with ROR traded and Toews off the market his value would be at a high level now. Some teams were concerned about Patrick Kane's hip. It didn't look too bad today (3G 1A).

This one has Florida at about 40%, Washington looks to be in trouble while Buffalo has 5 games in hand on Florida. I think Pittsburgh will make it but it will be a dogfight. https://www.moneypuck.com/predictions.htm

We certainly are hoping for that.

What a battle for the final wild card spots in the east. Last year the top 8 was decided early. This year there is a top 6 with 7 teams between 58 and 63 points battling for the final 2 wild card spots and the teams at the bottom of this range have games in hand. Should be a crazy finish.

I think the big problem was one of expectations. I am sure that MB thought and we hoped that Drouin would turn into more than a 50 point player given his skill level. He has basically under achieved or maybe we expected too much. He hasn't showed the consistency to be a top 6 forward and doesn't have the grit to be an effective bottom 6 forward. I just don't know where he fits in. Some team will pay him more than he should get in free agency but it better not be us.

They still have their 2024st left, Leafs might as well trade it. Might as well go all the way.

The Leafs gave up a lot but their future is now, O'Reilly just turned 32 and still has gas left in the tank. I think this trade will energize him. The Leafs still need help on the back end but they are definitely a better team today.

PLD hasn't quit on Winnipeg, has had a terrific year.

I think you are correct unfortunately. It could have been a good haul at the deadline if they were both healthy. Unless it's a trade with some sort of condition where the return depends on how many games the player plays and/or how far the team goes in the playoffs (like the Andrew Copp trade last year). David Savard is an interesting one. He has been pretty solid this year. He does have 2 more years left but 3.5M is not a terrible cap hit. Anderson can go if the offer is right. The rest (ie. Dadonov, Drouin) are maybe late round picks although I have to admit that they have played well lately. The return might be better than we think (wishful thinking).

We seem to be able to give the good teams trouble (ie. Toronto) so I don't think we are diving too much, 3 game winning streaks don't help.

Yup. I don't see us moving much from 6th or 7th from the bottom. It's really too bad Monahan and Edmundson aren't healthy.

It's looking more and more like Montreal's pick will be in the 6-8 range (unless we get lucky when they draw the balls) and Florida will be in the 14-20 range. Florida is playing well and will likely finish ahead of Washington who has some injury issues right now. Unless Buffalo or Detroit go on a run the last 25 games then I think Florida grabs the last wild card spot and hopefully goes out in the 1st round. I was really hoping for 2 lottery picks but I think Florida finishes top 8. Hopefully I just put the hex on them.

That may be the weakest lineup they have had this year.

It is the right thread for that. Always fun to project and discuss how the prospects may turn out. I think of the young D prospects that Mailloux has the most offensive upside while Guhle will be the best defensively. Hutson may be the most fun to watch.

That is good news. He needs to get healthy. He will be well rested for a long playoff run with somebody.

That makes sense. Barron has had more time to develop. Thanks.

How would you compare Mailloux and Barron as prospects? I am no scout but I think Mailloux has more upside, perhaps a little bigger, stronger and more aggressive? His wrist shot is phenomenal.

Yes they did. https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/montreal-canadiens-sign-controversial-draft-pick-logan-mailloux-to-contract/

I think they have already signed him.

That was a beauty. No question he has the offensive skills to play at the pro level.

If Drouin keeps up this pace we might get a 7th round pick for him. With 50% retention of course.