Permanent Trade Proposal Thread

[tomh009]

7 hours ago, Commandant said:

Ever? That seems hyperbole.  I mean he was really good on the PP last year and helped the team make the playoffs.  Considering we gave up virtually nothing to acquire him, i cant see him being as amongst the most disappointing in this decade (cough, Drouin, cough) never mind ever.

 

Right ... how about Nikita Scherbak? Or Janne Niinimaa? Maybe David Fischer?

[hab29RETIRED]

On 2/8/2026 at 6:52 PM, tomh009 said:

 

I think there are far more worthy candidates for that title in the team's long history. And most likely they would not have made the playoffs last year without Laine's PP scoring.

Yeah, 100% agree.We don’t make the playoffs without him last year - which was a ln important development learning step for the team.

 

we also gave up pretty much nothing for him.

we basically got Laine and Danault for Harris, if I remember the terms of the deal correctly.

[dlbalr]

22 hours ago, hab29RETIRED said:

we also gave up pretty much nothing for him.

we basically got Laine and Danault for Harris, if I remember the terms of the deal correctly.

 

Correct, the Habs flipped the second they got to add Danault.  Granted, they bought themselves some cap issues this season from those trades but Laine had his usefulness at times last season and Danault has stabilized things a bit in the bottom six.

[hab29RETIRED]

15 hours ago, dlbalr said:

 

Correct, the Habs flipped the second they got to add Danault.  Granted, they bought themselves some cap issues this season from those trades but Laine had his usefulness at times last season and Danault has stabilized things a bit in the bottom six.

I still would have preferred to get a more physical 3C with size if we weren’t going to get an upgrade at 2C.

 

i know it would have costed more, but we need more size down the middle. But the challenge is we don’t want just a grunt with size. Ideally it’s someone with skill, plays a heavy game, is defensively solid, good faceoff percentage, and a pain in the ass to play against. I know that’s easier said than done😁

im hoping in another year or two Kapanan will add size size and physicality to his game and be a Lundell type player in a 3C role.

[GHT120]

Every once and a while ClickBait30 has an interesting idea ... today was such a day

 

What would it take to get Simon Benoit from the Leafs?  6'4", 210 lbs, 27 yrs-old, 5th full NHL season, has averaged 17:05 min/gm, $1.35 AVV through next season ... would IMO solidify the 3rd pairing

[dlbalr]

Is he really an upgrade on Xhekaj or Struble?  Some of the under-the-hood numbers for Benoit really aren't pretty.  He's big and hits but does a lot of defending since the puck is usually in Toronto's end when he's on the ice.  And he's a lefty which doesn't solve the desire for an extra RH-shot.

[GHT120]

7 minutes ago, dlbalr said:

Is he really an upgrade on Xhekaj or Struble?  Some of the under-the-hood numbers for Benoit really aren't pretty.  He's big and hits but does a lot of defending since the puck is usually in Toronto's end when he's on the ice.  And he's a lefty which doesn't solve the desire for an extra RH-shot.

It's not a HUGE move but I think he is an upgrade over the "5-7 minutes unless it is a blowout pair" ... I've all but given up on the ideal "2nd pairing RHD" trade ... a 3rd pairing RHD does improve it by pushing Guhle down but it leaves Carrier on the 2nd pairing

[Habs Fan in Edmonton]

1 hour ago, dlbalr said:

Is he really an upgrade on Xhekaj or Struble?  

 

I don't think so. Sometimes someone on another team always looks better because you spend so much time analyzing the warts on the players you have.  I don't think the shiny new toy (Benoit) is an improvement at all. He has played more minutes because the Leafs defense is weaker plus they have had a lot of injuries (ie. Tanev for most of the year).

[DON]

Not a clue if would be a good or realistic addition, if so seems more like a summer type deal. But is the Rangers so guess very unlikely.

 

NHL trade matchmaker: Predicting where top targets go by the deadline, part 5 - The Athletic

 

Mirtle: Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens’ biggest hole all season has been down the middle, and it’s going to be a battle at the deadline for the limited options who can fill the 2C role on a contender. Even at 32, Trocheck certainly fits that description, and the fact he comes with some term at a reasonable cap hit will help the Habs bridge the gap as their youth movement progresses.

 

Trocheck is American, has a limited no-trade clause and has never played in Canada, but Montreal is an exciting, rising team he could chase a Cup with, so this could be win-win.

[Prime Minister Koivu]

Radko Gudas - 35 years old, final year of contract, RD

 

Complete pain in the ass to play against, hits like a train, smart player, high compete level, tough as nails

 

Veteran help on RD for this playoffs only

 

I can’t imagine a big price tag - maybe a second rounder? 🤷‍♂️

 

[GHT120]

2 hours ago, Prime Minister Koivu said:

Radko Gudas - 35 years old, final year of contract, RD

 

Complete pain in the ass to play against, hits like a train, smart player, high compete level, tough as nails

 

Veteran help on RD for this playoffs only

 

I can’t imagine a big price tag - maybe a second rounder? 🤷‍♂️

 

 

I like the idea, but the problem is Anaheim is currently in the WC2 slot in the west ... are looking to make deadline deals for their veterans

[dlbalr]

3 hours ago, Prime Minister Koivu said:

Radko Gudas - 35 years old, final year of contract, RD

 

Complete pain in the ass to play against, hits like a train, smart player, high compete level, tough as nails

 

Veteran help on RD for this playoffs only

 

I can’t imagine a big price tag - maybe a second rounder? 🤷‍♂️

 

I think it's more likely that Anaheim re-signs him for another couple of years, especially since Verbeek is a big fan of physical hockey.  If he's made available, I think it'll cost more than just a second rounder as well.

[GNick]

On 2/8/2026 at 9:52 PM, tomh009 said:

 

I think there are far more worthy candidates for that title in the team's long history. And most likely they would not have made the playoffs last year without Laine's PP scoring.

9 million caphit would have got us much more than Laine contribution to team. Especially if we have to give up asset to dump his contract 

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

On 2/16/2026 at 7:35 AM, DON said:

Not a clue if would be a good or realistic addition, if so seems more like a summer type deal. But is the Rangers so guess very unlikely.

 

NHL trade matchmaker: Predicting where top targets go by the deadline, part 5 - The Athletic

 

Mirtle: Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens’ biggest hole all season has been down the middle, and it’s going to be a battle at the deadline for the limited options who can fill the 2C role on a contender. Even at 32, Trocheck certainly fits that description, and the fact he comes with some term at a reasonable cap hit will help the Habs bridge the gap as their youth movement progresses.

 

Trocheck is American, has a limited no-trade clause and has never played in Canada, but Montreal is an exciting, rising team he could chase a Cup with, so this could be win-win.

 

Trocheck is tempting, but I remain leery of giving up too many assets for a 32-year-old...

[GHT120]

1 hour ago, The Chicoutimi Cucumber said:

Trocheck is tempting, but I remain leery of giving up too many assets for a 32-year-old...

 

Not only that but where does he play?  I-M-O Kapanen has earned the 2C by his play and his chemistry with Slaf and Demi ... Gally-Dany-Andy (to use probable Einstein level NHL nicknames) have shown a certain chemistry and Dany actually has a higher faceoff win % than Trochek, although I am confident that Trochek is the better player ... and how does he fit for the two years left on his deal ... the guys that interest me on the Rangers are ones I doubt they trade; Schneider and Cuylle.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

17 minutes ago, GHT120 said:

 

Not only that but where does he play?  I-M-O Kapanen has earned the 2C by his play and his chemistry with Slaf and Demi ... Gally-Dany-Andy (to use probable Einstein level NHL nicknames) have shown a certain chemistry and Dany actually has a higher faceoff win % than Trochek, although I am confident that Trochek is the better player ... and how does he fit for the two years left on his deal ... the guys that interest me on the Rangers are ones I doubt they trade; Schneider and Cuylle.

 

I can't access the Athletic article that originally suggested Trochek, but its premise was that 'the Canadiens’ biggest hole all season has been down the middle, and it’s going to be a battle at the deadline for the limited options who can fill the 2C role on a contender.'

 

In other words, they don't think Kapanen is it.

 

Kapanen seems to get no respect despite being a good bet to pass 20 goals/40 points as a 22-year-old. It seems to come down to his being a #64 pick who never generated much buzz, so people are ignoring what he's actually accomplishing. Or maybe they assume he is a pure product of Demidov. For my part, I wonder if we're looking a gift horse in the mouth, looking around for a 'legitimate #2C' when one might already be there.

[GHT120]

22 minutes ago, The Chicoutimi Cucumber said:

For my part, I wonder if we're looking a gift horse in the mouth, looking around for a 'legitimate #2C' when one might already be there.

I agree ... and even if a "true 2C" could be acquired, what would it do the chemistry of the second line ... I don't think that 70% through the season HuGo can risk that a new 2C would maintain the production that has made Slaf-Hap-Demi one on of the TOP second lines in the NHL this season ... not the same as trying to find the missing piece on the top line or to fill the hole in the 4-6D roles (i.e., could be a legit RH2D, or an upgrade on either side of the 3rd pairing).

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

51 minutes ago, GHT120 said:

I agree ... and even if a "true 2C" could be acquired, what would it do the chemistry of the second line ... I don't think that 70% through the season HuGo can risk that a new 2C would maintain the production that has made Slaf-Hap-Demi one on of the TOP second lines in the NHL this season ... not the same as trying to find the missing piece on the top line or to fill the hole in the 4-6D roles (i.e., could be a legit RH2D, or an upgrade on either side of the 3rd pairing).

 

To me the big concerns on this squad are as follows:

 

1. Goaltending. If I'm HuGo I don't rule out a low-cost G of the Jake Allen variety should one materialize, but realistically, this is not an area of organizational need so much as a (hopefully) short-term problem. Not worth sacrificing significant assets for. Likelihood of action being taken: close to 0/100.

 

2. Bottom-pairing D. As you say, the ideal would actually be a #4 who can allow us to move Carrier down to the bottom pair. But I think a more realistic outcome - especially if they still believe in Reinbacher, and especially considering that we already sacrificed huge assets to acquire Dobson - is that we add a bona-fide #5-6 guy. This shouldn't be too expensive. Classic deadline stuff. Likelihood of action being taken: close to 100/100.

 

3. Size/power in the top 6. Almost impossible to find. And will cost a mint. Failing this, a LW who can score would be a nice consolation prize. I see this category as the biggest X-factor. The Habs' actions could range from nothing, to taking a big expensive swing on a big expensive name. Likelihood of action being taken: 50/100, but again, that action could involve anything from a Texier-type 'what the hell' low-cost move, to a major roster addition. 

[tomh009]

6 hours ago, The Chicoutimi Cucumber said:

3. Size/power in the top 6. Almost impossible to find. And will cost a mint. Failing this, a LW who can score would be a nice consolation prize. I see this category as the biggest X-factor. The Habs' actions could range from nothing, to taking a big expensive swing on a big expensive name. Likelihood of action being taken: 50/100, but again, that action could involve anything from a Texier-type 'what the hell' low-cost move, to a major roster addition. 

Assuming the second line is not to be messed with, then this is really a winger for Suzuki and Caufield. And then the question is whether they can find someone that is a clear upgrade from Dach--unless they have already given up on Dach in the first place.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

Big rumours around Tyler Myers here in Van. He’d be a great fit for us, hope we’re in on that

[Commandant]

I think the biggest hole is first line RW.

[tomh009]

How expensive would Myers be? He is huge(ly tall), I expect that will up the asking price.

[GHT120]

48 minutes ago, tomh009 said:

How expensive would Myers be? He is huge(ly tall), I expect that will up the asking price.

HuGo can ask ... but Meyers has a FULL no-trade clause ... would he waive for Montreal?  

[PMAC]

Why do we want Tyler Myers?

[GHT120]

5 minutes ago, PMAC said:

Why do we want Tyler Myers?

This was extensively discussed in another thread ... consensus was that they shouldn't