Commandant Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 1 hour ago, tomh009 said: Yes ... and yet if you have more picks than you need now, you need to do something with them. Nobody is going to take half a dozen late picks for a second-rounder. Yes which is also why trading soon to be UFAs for non-premium picks is something im willing to bypass. I think Dvorak and Armia are more valuable to making a push for a playoff spot then getting a 5th and 3rd or something for them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCHabnut Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 8 hours ago, illWill said: Two questions: 1. We already have draft picks coming out of our ears and a plethora of young players already in the system looking to crack the team. Does acquiring a few extra 2nd or 3rd round picks really move the needle on anything significant? 2. What do you do if the Habs are in a playoff position come the deadline, still trade the UFAs? Here are my answers: 1. No 2. Also No To add to that, what about the contract limit? More picks could cause issues with staying at 50 contracts. Edit. It was brought up multiple times after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted January 12 Author Share Posted January 12 Swapping picks 4 years apart was used as an example as it is the longest the NHL allows… but as you know, deferring picks can be done. Some teams want to fill their cupboards with prospects, some teams don’t. Montreal has been in a gathering phase. They are just coming out of that phase now. This article came out today. Newhook will be in the crosshairs more is my guess. https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/alex-newhook-hasnt-produced-as-expected Newhook is 23 and now his career has stalled. Sound familiar? I thought he could be a 40-point guy in the NHL. Last year he had 15 goals and 19 assists. This year, his numbers have cratered and I think it’s smart to keep him on the wing. He can still take some face-offs, he’s running at 43.9% this season. Ultimately the Canadiens need more offense out of him. Not sure these guys below are reputable or not, but they aren’t addressing specific rumours, only what has been already said: https://nhlrumors.com/nhl-rumors-boston-bruins-and-the-montreal-canadiens/2025/01/08/ The Montreal Canadiens have time to decide which direction to go The Fourth Period: The Montreal Canadiens are in the playoff hunt, but there’s still lots of time between now and the March 7th trade deadline. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said it’s too early to predict which direction they’ll be going in. “I don’t think we will deviate from (our) plan,” Hughes acknowledged. “That’s not to say in the next few games, before the trade deadline, we could change things. “We’ll see where we’re at over the next few weeks leading up to the deadline.” Pending Canadiens UFAs who are believed to be available no matter what include defenseman David Savard, and forwards Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and Christian Dvorak. The Canadiens are believed to have started some contract talks with Jake Evans, but Hughes wouldn’t address any of the negotiations. If they moved any for draft picks, they could then flip those picks for a roster player or a prospect who is close to being NHL-ready. Listening to these two guys below talk sounds like what paint sounds like when it dries. Fairly monotone, but if you can handle it, it’s a good listen. Basu and Godin do not agree with what I believe. Unless Savard is worth as little as they say… then I agree, what’s the point. At the 22 minute mark Arpon Basu mentions he thinks the Habs might try Newhook at centre next year. They discuss Evans at length to begin. They discuss losing Evans and then signing Dvorak to replace. All Evens for first 37 minutes. Savard starts at minute 37. They mention between 42-43 minute maybe Montreal would keep all the UFAs. Apron expects if no Savard next year, a vet RHD will come into the line up. Savard over at 55:30. Armia starts 55:30… Arpon does not think Armia will be traded. Wants to sign him.... Godin says walk him out the door July 1…. There is a bit of Dvorak.. not much though. Spoiler alert. They talk a lot and they agree no one should get traded… unless we are no longer in the mix… by say 4 points at TDL. They don’t think Savard will get much return. Like a 4th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted January 12 Author Share Posted January 12 Frank Saravalli says there is interest in Anderson. https://www.habsfanatics.com/nhl/trades/frank-seravalli-reports-last-minute-development-on-possible-josh-anderson-trade I’m glad for this. We aren’t desperate to trade him this year, but it would be great to trade him TDL 2026 to open a roster spot… (I’m sure I’ll get more flack next TDL if I say it.. looking forward to it) When Anderson does the things he can do, he’s great… but not at 5.5M. Maybe teams think they need to be patient for just two years then resign him at a reasonable rate… I say keep him one more year and think about it. We have the cap room, but roster spots are getting tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 https://awinninghabit.com/what-happens-with-the-montreal-canadiens-down-the-middle-in-the-future “with Suzuki, Dach, Dvorak and Evans the center position is set for the rest of this year. If Dvorak is traded, then I suspect Newhook will slide to the third centre role, where I feel like he will be long-term anyway. When Ivan Demidov arrives, I don't think that Newhook will stay on the second line. But that solves a problem for this season and maybe next, that is if Newhook works out at the center for the Habs. Now when Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen arrive at camp next year, I expect that they will both be in the mix for a spot. The issue is that both players will be competing for the third-line centre role, in a battle with three horses (Newhook also). So how does Kent Hughes navigate this scenario? It is not set to happen obviously until October, but it is something that needs to be considered. Beck has looked good in the NHL, and down in the AHL he has fit in seamlessly. As for Kapanen, he looked good with Montreal in his nine games this season, before heading to the SHL with Timra IK. With Dvorak gone, there are six centremen who will be competing for four spots in October. Another ripple in the scenario is that Newhook is the lone left-shot center. The reason why this is an issue is because a right-shot center is going to be challenged against left-shot centers on their strong side. Could it be a trade package for a left-shot centre, or does the club roll with three righties and one lefty? Hard to say, but Kapanen and Beck are on their way soon and they will want to play. Having one on the wing and one play center is an option. But how important is it to Martin St Louis to have a balance of left and right shot centers?” The reporter thinks Evans will be signed and here for the foreseeable future. If we lose Dvorak at TDL, he thinks Newhook will play centre the rest of this year. Newhook will then battle it out with Kapanen and Beck for the 3C next year. (I think our 3rd and 4th lines are interchangeable in title) If Evans is signed, we won’t need to go out and sign a free agent left shot centre like Gourde… (though we should kick the tires on Gourde’s term and $$ needs just to weigh our options). Arpon Basu also believes Newhook will be playing centre next year. I did not realize if Newhook gets traded we have no lefty centres. I still think he won’t be around to be re-signed, but that does put a wrinkle in my trade theory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomh009 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 It's worth remembering that Newhook can take faceoffs against lefties even if he's playing as a winger. There is no rule that says the centre has to take the faceoff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlbalr Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 14 minutes ago, Butterface said: The reporter thinks Evans will be signed and here for the foreseeable future. If we lose Dvorak at TDL, he thinks Newhook will play centre the rest of this year. AWH is a fan site. They're not reporters, it's just a random person's opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 13 hours ago, dlbalr said: AWH is a fan site. They're not reporters, it's just a random person's opinion. … so Tyler Major-Mcnicol is a 14 year old in his basement ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 10 hours ago, dlbalr said: AWH is a fan site. They're not reporters, it's just a random person's opinion. Even reporters are just giving opinions lots of times. Until i see the Habs actually use Newhook as a centre, i maintain my opinion that the team has no plans for him as a full time centre. Maybe a stop gap for a couple games if we get an injury, but there is nothing to suggest they see him as a long-term option at centre with the way hes being used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 Its the Galchenyuk situation all over again. No matter what fans and reporters opinions are of where the player should play, our opinions dont matter if the coaching staff doesnt trust the player in that position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Minister Koivu Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 1 hour ago, Commandant said: Even reporters are just giving opinions lots of times. Until i see the Habs actually use Newhook as a centre, i maintain my opinion that the team has no plans for him as a full time centre. Maybe a stop gap for a couple games if we get an injury, but there is nothing to suggest they see him as a long-term option at centre with the way hes being used. I think it’s possible that Newhook is a one year stop gap at 3C until Beck or Kapanen are ready. I do believe that Evans is their first choice for 3C though with Newhook as the short term backup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomh009 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 1 hour ago, Commandant said: Until i see the Habs actually use Newhook as a centre, i maintain my opinion that the team has no plans for him as a full time centre. Maybe a stop gap for a couple games if we get an injury, but there is nothing to suggest they see him as a long-term option at centre with the way hes being used. They did use him at centre for the second half of last season, with Armia and Gallagher, to some level of success. However, I agree that they seem to be going in a different direction now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfredoh2009 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 13 hours ago, Butterface said: […] (Beck and Kapanen) competing for the third-line centre role, in a battle with three horses (Newhook also). So how does Kent Hughes navigate this scenario? […] Easy, play a line with Kapanen-Newhook-Beck and see who emerges as the best center Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlbalr Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 12 hours ago, Butterface said: … so Tyler Major-Mcnicol is a 14 year old in his basement ? No but anything from there should be taken with the same level of reliability as if it's something you read posted on the site or message board here. The people at that site are not credentialed reporters and don't have any inside info so suggesting that a 'reporter' says ____ based on an article from there is incorrect. It's a random person's guess, nothing more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 This article is an easy read that highlights what decisions are coming for Hughes and Gorton. https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/habs_turning_point_decisions_that_shape_destiny/s1_17468_41566721 Runs through all expiring UFA players this year and next. All RFA contracts this year and next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 13 minutes ago, dlbalr said: suggesting that a 'reporter' says ____ based on an article from there is incorrect. It's a random person's guess, nothing more. Got it. From that website “reporter” is too strong a word. “A dude said” better describes that type of content. In my defence, the “article” did pop up on a search along with reputable sources like La Presse and the Athletic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 28 minutes ago, alfredoh2009 said: Easy, play a line with Kapanen-Newhook-Beck and see who emerges as the best center Hage probably not coming next year, but the year or two after that, he will also be looking for a centre position. He’s another righty. We will need to give some lefty wingers some serious face-off seminars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomh009 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 26 minutes ago, Butterface said: This article is an easy read that highlights what decisions are coming for Hughes and Gorton. https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/habs_turning_point_decisions_that_shape_destiny/s1_17468_41566721 Runs through all expiring UFA players this year and next. All RFA contracts this year and next. Hmmm ... this quote, though: Quote Additionally, Carey Price’s $10.5M LTIR relief will no longer be available after 2025-26, taking away some of the team’s cap flexibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHT120 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 7 minutes ago, tomh009 said: Hmmm ... this quote, though: "Additionally, Carey Price’s $10.5M LTIR relief will no longer be available after 2025-26, taking away some of the team’s cap flexibility." Reflects a lack of understanding of how LTIR works. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfredoh2009 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 (edited) 1 hour ago, Butterface said: Hage probably not coming next year, but the year or two after that, he will also be looking for a centre position. He’s another righty. We will need to give some lefty wingers some serious face-off seminars. I doubt that is how HughGort will manage the roster. If they need a lefty to take face offs, they’ll get one. They have multiple trade assets to make sure they have the right roster makeup Edited January 13 by alfredoh2009 Changed he to they, for HughGort Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHT120 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 1 hour ago, Butterface said: We will need to give some lefty wingers some serious face-off seminars. In a general sense, NEVER a bad idea to give some training to all forwards on face-offs ... never know when an important face-off could end up being taken by your 3rd choice on the ice ... at very least, teach those that are unskilled at the actual face-off how to legally tie-up their opponent to turn it into a scramble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 3 hours ago, tomh009 said: They did use him at centre for the second half of last season, with Armia and Gallagher, to some level of success. However, I agree that they seem to be going in a different direction now. They put him there in a lost season, after Dach was lost for the year, Monahan was traded away, and Dvorak only played 30 games due to injuries. They didn't exactly have a lot of choices. Evans was playing #2 C at one point. They also tried NHL journeymen in Mitchell Stephens and Brandon Gignac at centre. Despite the "some level of success" he hasn't even been tried there once this year, not in training camp, or when Dach was struggling and moved to wing, or any other time.... to me that's evidence of what MSL thinks of him at Centre and I think the chances of going into next season with him as the third line centre are slim to none. Again if an injury crisis happens, he might play there, but without that happening, I don't think they will start a season with the plan to use him as a full time centre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 3 hours ago, Prime Minister Koivu said: I think it’s possible that Newhook is a one year stop gap at 3C until Beck or Kapanen are ready. I do believe that Evans is their first choice for 3C though with Newhook as the short term backup I don't think they go into a season with Newhook as the 3C. If Evans isn't back they will acquire a centre. They seem him as an emergency option and not a full time one, even for 1 season based on their actions. IMO of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 1 hour ago, GHT120 said: Reflects a lack of understanding of how LTIR works. One last-sentence blip in what is a decent rundown of management decisions. The baby shouldn’t be thrown out with the bathwater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHT120 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 28 minutes ago, Butterface said: One last sentence blip in what is just a rundown of management decisions. The baby shouldn’t be thrown out with the bathwater. Didn't suggest it should be ... which is why I specifically responded to only that statement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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