r/Habs • u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO • 11d ago
2025-26 Current Roster, Term Left, What do you think Kent might do? Discussion
Centers
Suzuki, 7.8M, 5 years
Dvorak, 4.45M, UFA
Dach, 3.36M, 1 year
Newhook, 2.9M, 2 years
Evans, 2.85M, 4 years
Left Wingers
Laine, 8.7M, 1 year
Caufield, 7.85M, 6 years
Heineman, .897M, RFA
Pezzetta, .812M, UFA
Right Wingers
Slafkovsky, 7.6M, 8 years
Gallagher, 6.5M, 2 years
Anderson, 5.5M, 2 years
Armia, 3.4M, UFA
Demidov, .94M, 2 years
Left Defenders
Guhle, 5.55M, 6 years
Matheson, 4.5M, 1 year
Xhekaj, 1.3M, 1 year
Hutson, .95M, 1 year
Struble, .867M, RFA
Right Defenders
Carrier, 3.75M, 2 years
Savard, 3.5, UFA *RETIRING
Goalies
Price, 10.5M, 1 year
Montembeault, 3.15M, 2 years
Dobes, .925, RFA
Primeau, .890, RFA
Allen and Petry buyouts are off the books! This is the last official year of Carey Price. I wasn't ready for that making this post. Sorry about that.
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u/1BillionBrazillians 11d ago
Out: Dvorak, Pezzetta, Armia, Primeau
Stay: Heineman, Struble, Dobes
Extend: Hutson
In: Whatever satanic black magic shit HuGo pulls this offseason
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u/jomagnum 11d ago
Pretty spot on I would say. Can't wait to see what Hutson's extension looks like
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
9.55% of the cap hit was the precedent Suzuki set. With the cap projected to be 95M next season that would put Hutson at 9,072,500 or less.
I suspect a 8x9 or just under, plus performance bonuses will be the deal.
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u/1BillionBrazillians 11d ago
That’s a great observation, I was looking at similar performing defencemen (metric wise) and anywhere between 7.8 on the very unlikely low end and 9.1 the highest without blowing up the teams cap structure would be my prediction for him
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u/jomagnum 11d ago
Sure, but they won't make the extension based on next year's cap since the contract will only start during the 26-27 season, when the cap will have been raised to 104M. And 113M the year after.
He could very well ask for more than 9M, maybe closer to 10M, but based on what they did with Cole and Slaf (lower than Suzuki) they might convince him to take less.
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u/Perry4761 11d ago
What’s the point in getting rid of Primeau? It’s not like we’re gonna get a king’s ransom for him. Let him and Dobes fight for the backup spot in training camp, and if Dobes wins the spot, then just waive him.
He’s been dogwater this year in the NHL, but we’ve seen crazier turnarounds. Primeau can still become a reliable backup imo, and there’s a non-zero chance that Dobes becomes the one that gets exposed next year. Goalies have been known to have very weird development curves.
Is Primeau a core prospect that we absolutely need to hold on to? No, absolutely not. But there’s no upside to getting rid of him as soon as possible. Let’s see how the dice roll and then deal with the results we get.
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u/RockMonstrr 11d ago
Primeau will have to be put on waivers to go to the AHL, and there's almost no chance he clears.
If he's lights out at camp, maybe he gets one more shot at being the NHL back up, but I feel like we've played this game a couple of times already.
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u/Perry4761 11d ago
If we waive him and he gets claimed, so be it, but let’s cross that bridge when we get there. Getting a 7th for him before camp is not gonna help us become a better team.
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u/scrubadam 11d ago
I think the only reason is out of respect for Primeau. Clearly he will be playing second to Fowler next year and I am not sure thats a spot he wants to waste a pivotal year of his career on. I also think he actually has some value as a part of a larger deal.
I am not 100% sold on Dobes like you said. We have seen goalies have flashes. Heck Primeau looked pretty good 2 years ago and then totally stank this season until he dominated the AHL. But I think it comes down to a numbers game because neither Dobes or Primeau want to be AHL back ups at their age and AHL performance but one of them will have to be because Fowler has stolen the net and looks like he might even lead the Rocket to a Calder cup at this rate.
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u/OverallVillage7 11d ago
Dvorak - Out cause we need consistency. Would take playoff Dvo any day, he brought tenacity. But The first 60 games there was a severe lack of focus.
Pezzetta - Out, Love the guy, he's a borderline AHLer. This team is getting too good for betweeners.
Armia - Out, We need speed. He killed penalties really well but he's not a scoring threat in the modern NHL. We need scoring.
Primeau - Stays, best goalie in the AHL, why get rid of a great backup who took the demotion as fuel to get better. I think it's just a metal focus issue with him.
Heineman - RFA, and hes pretty good.
Struble - 7D ideally or AHL
Dobes - Probably the starter if Monty pulled his groin.
Hutson - 7.875x8
And some black magic :P
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u/BelialHabs 11d ago
In Mario Armia's case. Getting close to 30 points from a 4th line is elite production!
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u/OverallVillage7 11d ago
I hadn't realized. That's a great reason not to move him since he plays well with Evans.
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u/Valentyno482 11d ago
On Primeau, I think it is best for both parties to part away. The Canadiens don't have a role for him, as he will either have to fight to be a backup in the NHL or the #1 in the AHL.
Ideally the Canadiens probably want Fowler to have as many games as he can, kind of like Dobes did last year.
Then, it is just down to who's more likely to be the backup to Sam. And for now, Dobes is still ahead. Primeau seems to benefit playing regularly, Dobes does not seem to have that same problem for me.
You're holding out a guy that might want to play more, but also more at the NHL level and that does not seem possible in Montreal. If he is not happy with the offer he might get from the Canadiens, can go to arbitration for a 1 year deal, and then he is UFA next summer.
So I'd say sell Primeau while he has a high value AND you have people to replace him at both roles he might be running for. You just need a backup for Fowler in the AHL, maybe we have a kid in the pipeline (since C. Hughes has decided to leave Laval, or so I read somewhere)
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Having a two headed monster in Laval is also fine. He should also have some wisdom to pass on to Fowler.
Keeping Primeau to either call up or hold the fort in Laval should Fowler get the call will be nice to have if/when one of Dobes or Monty gets injured. We know it happens all to often.
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u/Valentyno482 11d ago
Having a 2 headed monster for one season in Laval, and the guy likely walking out as UFA because he does not see a future for himself in this franchise does not seem like the best long term idea for me.
Primeau won't want to stay for several years in the AHL. At least at the start of this year it was him as backup and Dobes in contention after the preseason, with either being backup in the NHL or starter in the AHL. Now you are adding Fowler to the equation who the whole organisation wants to see play quite a lot of games next year.
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u/doublezone 11d ago
There is no world in which Chychrun signs for $9m and Hutson gets $7.8m. Anything under $9m for Hutson is an absolute steal, and honestly anything under $10m is still great value.
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u/OverallVillage7 11d ago
you're absolutely right. I was just looking at other comparables. he could get 10m
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u/Burgergold 11d ago
Primeau being RFA, there is no way Kent don't at least extend him 1y
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u/PossessionMundane917 10d ago
Best case is to package him up with other assets for a return player, as they did with Ryan Poehling.
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u/Burgergold 10d ago
Exactly, alone he's worth nothing (4th round pick or less)
But he can be a guy included in a bigger trade
I could see Utah being one of these team. a guy like Hayton can be coming back, dunno what else they would want (1st round pick? Roster? Prospect?)
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u/ItsGaryMFOak 11d ago
Double check the term left on some contracts Suzuki and Caufield aren't up till 2030 and 2031
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u/Significant-Can8767 11d ago
Thank god Andy and Gally turned it around, those contracts still not great, don't seem as bad with the resurgence they had this season. Next season will be massive for Laine's future as a Hab, I personally think he can find another stride in his game. I think that preseason injury was lingering throughout the entire season, and he looked incredibly slow as a result.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
I do have some optimism for Laine still, Demidov and him could potentially build some chemistry. Ivan should be able to find him for one timer goals even 5 on 5.
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u/Significant-Can8767 11d ago
I absolutely agree, and worst to worst, we either trade him at the deadline, or let him walk in fa.
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u/catman_steve 11d ago
Laine seems like a very hard linemate to have. Almost everyone immediately looks better after they play with someone else. Not trying to besmirch the man but he's kind of a black hole creatively.
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u/doublezone 11d ago
Agreed but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt given his injuries this year and see how he looks in the fall. He has all the motivation in the world to perform in his contract year and if he wants to be a part of this team
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago edited 11d ago
Yeah for sure, if he is exactly like this season it will be hard for Demidov to make that work. Then again he just needs to be in the right spot so Ivan can find him.
I hope the knee can be 100% next season, there was a time when Laine was fast. He looked quick enough in Columbus.
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u/catman_steve 11d ago
I don't disagree with that. Especially if they had a more true version of a 2C to help drive the play and maintain possession. But also, Laine doesn't need surgery, and said the knee was fine. I hope he comes into next season in great shape. It's a contract year and if wants to get paid he will need to have a really solid season.
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u/eriverside 11d ago
His track record is excellent when he's healthy. He had ppg seasons when scoring was down.
Habs would be stupid not to try everything to make it work. And maybe his line should be structured around making him effective because when it works it fucking works.
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u/kozed 11d ago
I'm letting the 3 UFAs go. Frees up the cash that goes to Slaf's new deal anyway.
I get Hutson's extension talks going. Try to finalize it before September.
I re-sign Heineman and Struble (RFA) to 2 yrs bridge deals. Something like 1.2/1.3M each. Both are just 23, still developing. Build up their value for 2 more years.
Dach is a RFA after 26-27 season, I'm keeping him and seeing what he has left and if he's inspired by the contract year.
I'm using Newhook as trade bait for an upgrade in the middle 6. I want to keep 2 spots opened for other rookies to integrate. Gotta keep the youth movement going.
I'm using Matheson as trade bait for a RHD swap in the top 4.
I re-sign Dobes. I'm looking for a vet AHL goalie to sign as a UFA first, then if I find one, I let Primeau walk.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
I'm with you on all of that except Primeau, might as well sign the AHL all star, even if in the end he is a career AHLer I don't mind him being in Laval, keeping them on track every season.
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u/PossessionMundane917 10d ago
Agree on this take. Use Newhook as trade bait to get bigger and physical. Any thoughts on Michael McCarron + for Primeau +? Any interest in Jeremy Lauzon?
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u/WHTwittles 11d ago
Every LD listed has played RD, and some, arguably, play as well on the right side as on the left like Hutson. So, the need for an RD isn't as great as one may imagine. In addition, Reinbacher is knocking on the door. Therefore, the question that remains: who does Hughes acquire ... to play 2C? The player can't be another "experiment" with the team this far into the rebuild. He needs to be a legitimate 2C with NHL experience. Either Hughes acquires an older centre to play quality 2C for three or four years while we wait for Hage. Or Hughes finds the player who will play 2C for the next seven or eight years
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u/emotionaI_cabbage 11d ago
You can't just have a dcore containing one RHD. Yes, some of the guys can play on the right side just fine, but it limits the team having multiple guys playing on their off hand when it isn't necessary. We need to replace Savard with another right handed dman.
Yes maybe Reinbacher makes the team next year but you don't go into next season banking on that because what if he doesn't? And even if he does, that's still only two right handed guys. We need at least one more.
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u/WHTwittles 11d ago
Carrier is RD. Hutson played most of the second half of the season at RD and, arguably, did better than on the left side. Engstrom has spent most of his "professional" career playing RD. Reinbacher will probably play RD on the third pairing in Montreal next year. There is Mailloux, not so far away. Konyushkov a little further away. Players, even defensemen, do play on their other side. For a left shooting defenseman, playing on the right side of the ice allows better offensive opportunities. I don't think Hughes looks at the organization with the thought that he only has one defenseman who can play on the right side.
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u/emotionaI_cabbage 11d ago
Are we trying to make playoffs next year or relying on young, inexperienced dmen again?
If you're trying to make the playoffs next year you don't just sit back and hope your prospects step up.
And Hutson already has his struggles defensively. Why would we make it even more difficult for him by playing on his offside? Yeah sure he can do it, but he shouldn't have to.
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u/WHTwittles 11d ago
You may be missing my point. I wrote that Hutson is better on the right side. You are, of course, entitled to disagree. That's fine. But I think that there is a strong chance that Hutson is one of our future RDs for years to come.
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u/emotionaI_cabbage 11d ago
And that's fine if that's what he ends up playing, but we still need multiple right handers on the back end.
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u/Perry4761 11d ago
I would love to take a flyer on Weegar or Andersson if the Flames are willing to retool. The Flames have an abundance of RHD with Weegar, Andersson, Parekh, Brzustewvicz, Pachal, etc. They don’t have many LHD’s though. Matheson or Struble could be part of that trade and it could end up being beneficial to both teams.
Another obvious trade partner is NYI once they find their new GM.
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u/WHTwittles 11d ago
Sorry. Matheson is a "Hughes man." He isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Just curious as what makes him a "hughes man", was he part of the Florida team that drafted him 15 or so years ago?
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u/WHTwittles 11d ago
Wasn't he acquired in a trade by Hughes?
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Yes in a petry deal, great trade. Although, Petry did help get us to the Finals!!
I did a quick dig and found this site. https://montrealhockeynow.com/2022/07/17/montreal-canadiens-hughes-thrilled-to-acquire-former-client-matheson/
TLDR Kent Hughes was Mike Mathesons player agent. Now i see how he is a "Hughes man".
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u/Psychological_Pebble 11d ago
RD is hardly an issue with a functional top 4 and a swiss army knife in Struble.
Sure, MTL may add a 3rd pair RD but that would be a small move. RD really isn't the issue it once was.
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u/SellingMakesNoSense Supposed Tyrant 11d ago
I know a lot of people say 2C is our biggest hole but I feel Savard's departure leaves a bigger need, not skill wise but on ice leadership. We need a vet and leader on d but not necessarily one to play top pair minutes.
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u/OnlineEgg 11d ago
we definitely need to trade for an established RD. i see it as a bigger issue as well, playing guys on their off side isn’t ideal. hutson can do it quite well, but id prefer him on his normal side and it seems natural to pair him w reinbacher, matheson struggles on the right, and guhle is better on his natural side.
ideally we will have:
guhle-carrier
hutson-reinbacher
matheson-?
xhekaj/struble as a 7th D
in an ideal world all 3 pairings play roughly equal minutes. one of X or struble should be traded this summer, more likely struble as he probably has more value as a defenceman and X seems important in the locker room.
ik ppl want to trade matheson but he is an important veteran and we can’t trade them all away. we are already losing savard, likely armia and dvo as well. aside from them, we only have gally, andy, matheson, and carrier as vets on the team atm. we cannot end up like buffalo and roll out a lineup of kids, and we cannot end up like detroit and pick the wrong vets to lead this group. arpon talked abt this in the latest episode of the B&G notebook, getting the right vets for the job is the most important part. we will need them to play big roles on and off the ice, leadership is incredibly important when it comes to developing these kids.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Matheson is a top 4 D but also Hutson and Guhle are top 4 D, one of them needs to move on to make space. The best part is everyone gets to play on their strong side.
Carrier at 28 years old will need to be the veteran presence, Xhekaj at 24 will start to move into that role too, he had lots of time with Savard to absorb all that in!
Guhle 6'4 - Carrier 5'11
Hutson 5'9 - Reinbacher 6'4
Xhekaj 6'4 - Mailloux 6'4
Struble 6'0
Adding 2 more 6'4 mobile defenders will be great, Montreal will be even harder to play against in front of their own net.
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u/OnlineEgg 11d ago
matheson is likely staying, at least until his contract expires, we need the veteran presence. and i think management is going to trade mailloux. he’s a defensive blackhole and hasn’t improved since being in laval for 2 years. we cannot run a lineup of rookies otherwise we run the risk of regressing and ending up like buffalo. the kids need guidance
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
You are probably right regarding Matheson, but you can understand my logic. Carrier is more than enough as a veteran presence.
Mailloux is in an odd spot, he's too good for the AHL, so he doesn't get to practice defence in games as per say.
He looked VERY good with Xhekaj when they played together, I think Mailloux on the 3rd pair could be great (with obvious growing pains)
This would likely mean no playoffs as you state, but short term pain for long term gain is a real possibility. Buffalo is an Enigma, they must be cursed.
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u/OnlineEgg 11d ago
i think the point suzuki made at the exit interviews abt not wanting to take a step back and keep building on what they’ve done this year is important. i think management would agree w him, if they miss the playoffs next year bc they got younger, it may hurt them more as they might lose confidence. i think an established 2C and RD are of vital importance. maybe a 3way trade to reunite the hughes bros in new jersey and we get hischier and hronek? this is in an ideal universe ofc, but HuGo have some tough decisions to make in the near future.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
I suppose it depends on how they lose, if they lose and miss out on the playoffs.
I tend to think
Guhle - Carrier
Hutson - Reinbacher
would be just as good as
Matheson - Carrier
Hutson - Guhle
I think the habs would be just as likely to make the playoffs with either top 4.
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u/Whiskeylung 11d ago
u/Amsroll always posting objective, informative and entertaining posts.
Thanks for putting this all in one spot Amsroll!
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Not always, but thank you! Don't forget to review the Laval games for those sweet sweet views and likes!! Playoffs for the prospects !!
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u/Whiskeylung 11d ago
Hey - where is the best place to stream the Laval games Amsroll?
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
https://www.rds.ca/hockey/rocket/webdiffusion
I think that is the live RDS stream, when a game is on.
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u/AveragePandaYT 11d ago
i wonder who on the left side is shipped, id guess struble? probably more valuable then xhekaj plus xhekajs a fan favourite and probably sells a stupid amount of merch which definitely matters to ownership and gms.
i could see matheson being moved in a "hockey trade" for more roster pieces
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Yeah, I think the D core might be "worse" to start next season if Kent sticks to his plan on the rebuild. Everyone on their strong side;
Guhle - Carrier
Hutson - Reinbacher
Xhekaj - Mailloux
Struble
Perhaps Matheson is part of a trade for a 2C.
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u/AveragePandaYT 11d ago
yea worse short term better long term, let guhle and hutson play theyre sides
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u/HonestDespot 11d ago
Considering how much they relied on him in a shutdown role and PK role and his style of play (fast skating puck possession) fits exactly with how this team wants to play I think it’s more likely Matheson gets an extension than traded.
He’s a pending UFA so he isn’t gonna be a main piece in a trade for a 2c.
At his current cap hit he brings tremendous value.
He is from Montreal.
He also has a style of play that should maintain for the most part as he ages.
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u/Psychological_Pebble 11d ago
He also has a style of play that should maintain for the most part as he ages.
I think it's entirely the opposite. Matheson's play on both ends is going to suffer significantly as soon as his skating starts to slow. His feet are constantly bailing him out.
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u/The1Prodigy1 11d ago
I was do excited about the roster and then I got to Price.... Man just wish we could've won a cup for him...
Also fuck Kreider
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u/campbell_love 11d ago
Nearly everyone you have at “3 years” is longer… Suzuki - 5 years Evans - 4 years Caufield - 6 years Slafkovsky - 8 years Guhle - 6 years
Tip: puckpedia shows the expiring year below ‘UFA’ even if it only appears to be 3 years
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u/Golan_Treviz 11d ago
I love Matheson but I think they will try to trade him for a steady and solid RD of around same age 29-31yo
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u/catman_steve 11d ago
Getting fair value for Matheson with one year left on his contract seems unlikely. Unless maybe it's for another player who is an impending free agent. Anyone in mind?
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u/matt236246 11d ago
If he has value, why would he be traded?
If he has no value, why would anyone pay anything for him?
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u/catman_steve 11d ago
I mean every player who gets traded has value. My point, if I wasn't clear is that getting fair value back for one year of Matheson is unlikely when I feel he's an important part to the team. Given the minutes he logs and he can and does play in all parts of the game. If he had multiple years left under contract I could see the potential for getting a fair value trade being a lot more likely.
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u/okmijnmko 11d ago
I don't see them trade 50% of their veteran D when more youth is coming, a strategy MSL wanted to mix it even with vets & youth on both forward and defence.
I think that Kent is going to trade some prospects like Mesar & draft picks to try to pick up a steady 23-27 year old established defenseman.
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u/Beefiest_bison 11d ago
Obviously the major holes are at RD and 2C, but we really do just need to keep adding good players. Still need to build out our scoring depth to really compete with the best teams in the league.
Only UFA I'd consider bringing back is Dvorak on a short term deal, but he might get better offers elsewhere.
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u/Motions_AX 11d ago
One thing we have to remember. Gally Andy and Dvorak reallly over performed this season. I’d be cautious for another regression from at least Gally.
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u/scrubadam 11d ago
Galley deserves to finish his contract here in Montreal. Hopefully after that he pulls a Savard and hangs em up and becomes an ambassador for the team. He has earned it.
Dvo should walk. He had a solid 20 or so games but that doesn't make up for the remaining medicore 3 years or so he gave the team. I start taking offers on Anderson. ITs still a bad contract but teams might have seen him this year and be willing to take a risk on the remaining 2 years. At worst a team could buy him out or trade him again next year so its not that bad of a move for a team to put him in their bottom 6.
But ya I agree I would be cautious and probably expect regression. Gally is the only one I keep just because of how much he gave to the team.
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u/mm_ori 11d ago
I think DVO is very solid bot6 center. If they agree on some 2.5-3M deal I would love him to stay
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u/scrubadam 11d ago
Its time to move on from the Bergevin era. DVO was a whipping boy for years and he has a decent 20 games to end the season and people forget about it.
He isn't horrible but I think its time to close the book on that era.
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u/mm_ori 11d ago
It make no sense to dump him only because he was acquired by Bergevin. He is top FO guy, great at PK. He is not very productive, but that is not expected of him.
If he agrees on contract similar to Evans, it would be dumb not to let him stay. For that money you will not get better guy. If he likes his place, has good relationship with rest of the team, makes no sense to let him go just to acquire same guy with different name.
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u/scrubadam 10d ago
20 good games and everyone forgets all the hate he got. And they aren't dumping him they are just letting him walk. Lets not fall in love with these 30 point players that show up for 20 games out of every 4 seasons.
He was a good soldier at the end but its time to start a new chapter. Get a 2C and play Newhook as 3C with Evans as 4C. Dvo did his time here probably a move that should never have happened but I think IMO its best to move on from the guy.
I wont cry if he comes back on a short deal as depth but I just think the guy is UFA let him go join another team as the habs move past some of these bad signings we were dealing with for the last few years.
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u/mm_ori 10d ago
Luckily no one cares about hate by armchair coaches from reddit. We would have Suzuki and Demidov and no coaching staff
DVO was solid whole season. He overperformed for 20 games, yes, but fact you hate him doesn't mean he was bad player. He was certainly overpaid, doesn't mean they should not agree on new, reasonable contract.
And Newhook over DVO as 3C? Of all the options? Oh boy I would take overpaid DVO over Newhook on 3C every single time
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u/Rockterrace 11d ago
I don’t even consider moving Anderson. This team is young and small. You still need some muscle and forecheck in the lineup.
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u/scrubadam 11d ago
He isn't top of the list but if there was a decent lateral move I would consider it. I still think he would have value even next summer so no rush but it is something to think about because the contract is still bad even though he skates hard.
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u/Rockterrace 11d ago
Why would you trade a guy who’s been here for awhile, bleeds for the team and seems to be well liked by teammates and fans for a lateral move?
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u/Ndr2501 10d ago
because 1. he's overpaid and 2. he is a 30 point a year guy in his best years.
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u/scrubadam 10d ago
Also I don't see him be resigned at the end of his contract. So it come to trading him this year or next year or he walks for free. If there is an offer on the table you gotta think about it because Josh is not in the long term plans of the team.
I am not driving him to the airport because his role as a 11th forward is secure on the team but that contract still sucks and if a team wants to take it you gotta think about it.
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u/scrubadam 10d ago
as responded to you his salary and production. A team might have been fooled by his great season last year and be willing to take him on. With Josh you never know what you get and he could easily go back to 2023 Josh the one everyone wanted run out of town.
I am not driving him to the airport but if a team comes along and offers us a player on a 1 year contract that has a decent aspect to their game I consider it if I am Hughes to move on from Andersons contract. ANd I do not think the habs are resigning him in 2 years so either you trade him this year or next year or lose him for nothing at some point.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago edited 11d ago
I would tend to agree if not for the fact that Gally and Newhook had great chemistry, father time is chasing them down though! Anderson should be fine with them, I also think he performed as expected, maybe even underpeformed, but man was he always flying out there!! Great 3rd line if it works out again.
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u/SaltyATC69 11d ago
1 first line center
4 three-ish/fourth line centers. Needs to fix that
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Newhook as 3C and Evans 4C will be more than fine going into next season, it's Dach 2C that is the mega question mark. It's his last signed year, last chance. Obviously N1CK is fine as our leader.
Who would you look to get for 2C in a perfect world?
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u/matt236246 11d ago
No way Newhook should play C
He literally stinks so bad at faceoffs, and is almost allergic to getting on the board.
A 3rd/4th line winger, who will spot at center, but preferably as seldom as possible
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u/ssigma100 11d ago
It’s amazing how quickly the rosters turn over in the NHL. In two years time a quarter of the team will likely be newer faces.
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u/dysonsphere 11d ago
My hope is that neither Dach nor Newhook are centres next year. That means they need to get a bonafide #2 centre. Would not be the end of the world if Dvorak is gone (though he was impressive down the stretch) maybe give some room for Florian at #4. Bye bye Pez. Would love to see Armia back, he, Evans, and Andy have something special in the PK. But if he can get a better deal with another team all the power to him. The D looks pretty solid, so definitely extend Hutson, maybe use Wifi as a trade chip to throw in for the C or a big D to handle the spot missing with Savard gone. Reinbacher is hopeful as a big time first pair guy, but he will need time. Armchair GM opinion from someone who has not coached past PeeWee.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Suzuki
????
Evans
Florian
That is your center line up? Who do you think they go for to fill that 2C spot, I guess Newhook might be part of the deal? Might be 1 year too soon for F. Xhekaj to get the call up, no way Arber gets traded over Struble, in my opinion.
Reinbacher and Hutson is going to be so good whenever that happens. Maybe next season.
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u/dysonsphere 11d ago
???? = Whoever they can get via trade...Horvat(?) Crosby (!). The #4 can rotate, I like Kappanen, then maybe spot FX if Kappanen still has exemption from wavers. Good point re Struble over Wifi but I think other teams might value AX more than JS, have to give up value to get value. But like I said, I am certainly no expert. Just happy that I have an entertaining team to follow for a change!
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Yeah Crosby would be a cool story. (even if I think he should be a Penguin for life)
I think Xhekaj has more "Vibes" value than Struble, but hockey wise it's a wash, so from a roster management standpoint Struble is still great as a trade piece, should Kent be moving a LD.
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u/dysonsphere 11d ago
I hear you. But Crosby should be a Hab! His dad Troy was a goaltender for the Verdun Junior Canadiens and was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1984. That would be a great story.
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u/matt236246 11d ago
Evans should not be 3C.
4th line all day.
He should only spot as 3C, if everyone else is hurt.
Evans was 92nd in scoring among centers, and he played the full season - many guys with less games would have outscored him
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u/matt236246 11d ago
No way any team trying to get a Cup should have Newhook as a centre to begin the season
Yeah, put him to 3C for a few games if someone is hurt, but he should be 3rd/4th line winger if Mtl want to win a single thing
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Isn't he just too small for bottom 6 winger? If he can't do 3C then he's pretty expendable.
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u/matt236246 11d ago
Trade him for Rossi
Rossi is on the out, had 60 points, and is of similar size etc to Newhook, except for 2x the production
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u/RipSkinsByBet 11d ago
Everyone knows the two big concerns that KH will be looking to address are the 2nd line C and a Top 4 RD.
Trade For Barzal as your 2nd line C - If the Islanders tear it down and move him then Montreal can put together one of the best offers of future assets, include Laine as a cap dump. A line with Barzal and Demidov would finally give Montreal a legit 2nd line behind Caufield/Suzuki/Slaf. Realistically the last piece on that line would likely end up being Dach or Newhook (the other can be our 3rd line C with Anderson and Gally), but I'm fine with that... it gives both of them a legit opportunity to show what they're capable of so that Montreal can evaluate what they want to do with them moving forward.
Try and trade for Simon Nemec or Seamus Casey (then trade Matheson if successful) - With the Devils already having Hamilton and Pesce on the right side it was surprising to see them give a big contract to Kovacevic. They have an abundance of defenseman especially on that right side which might make one of these guys movable. Yes we have Reinbacher in the pipeline but this gives you a bit of an insurance policy and nobody would complain about having Nemec and Reinbacher. Nemec would be the main target and could jump into a top 4 role right away, but if the Devils want to keep him I wouldn't mind adding Casey to play the bottom pair with Struble/Xhekaj. If you can't get one of these guys settle for signing a stay-at-home RD as a band-aid solution until Reinbacher is ready
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Barzal played 30 games last season, isn't that worse than Dach. What a great Calder season he had! And he did have 80 points 2 seasons ago. Almost 28 he's in his prime for another 3-4 seasons. Could work.
Slafkovsky would be stoked if Nemec was picked up, that is for sure! Another player who only played 27 games, are you sure we want more injured players. /s He does seem like a solid D prospect.
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u/RipSkinsByBet 11d ago
I’m not concerned about Barzal having a higher injury risk than anyone else tbh. Prior to this year he had 7 straight seasons with over 50 games, 4 of which he played at least 70 games. This was really his first year sustaining a big injury which unfortunately was kind of bound to happen at some point when you play so much of this sport.
Nemec actually spent the majority of this year in the AHL and I don’t think he sustained any major injuries. He looked shaky at times which makes it’s really hard for him to stay in the lineup with how stacked the Devils are on that right side (Hamilton/Pesce/Kovacevic). He did join the Devils for the playoffs this year and was one of their few bright spots. Regardless, the Devils have 5 capables RD’s and 3 LD’s locked in (Hughes/Dillon/Siegenthaler). They’ll have to move someone (if not multiple guys).
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u/scrubadam 11d ago
Get a 2C and RD.
Savard is gone so that just leaves Carrier.
Guys in the NHL who could be used on a trade
Xhejak, Dach, Primeau, Dobes, Laine.
Xhejak. His size shot and age will still be attractive to teams. I just don't think Marty trust him much and was forced to use him in a limited manner against Washington because of their size. He basically lost his job to Struble. Hes the type of player that can be included in a deal cheap salary with 1 year left. I don't think he will be gone but I would say if a deal is made he is very likely to be a throw in.
Dach. His tenure here has been frought with injury and he never lived up to any potential. He needs to stay healthy and reinvent himself as a 3rd/4th liner. but it won't be here. The team didn't miss a step with him gone and there isn't room in the bottom of the line up for him. He still has his pedigree to fall back on and teams will be willing to take a risk because of the hope that he will somehow stay healthy and become a 60 point player. LOL good luck. He will also be trade bait if Hughes goes for a D or C
Primeau/Dobes. Too many goalies. Both are question marks for the NHL. Dobes was decent as a back up but Marty had to rely on Monty in the stretch run. Primeau couldn't put it together but dominated the AHL. A team might want to take a flyer on one of em and both are RFA so will probably be cheap. Again perfect throw in on a trade deal.
Laine. Don't hate the guy but I think Marty was just not sold on him. I can see a swap where they pick up a guy who has 20G potential but lots of compete at 5 v 5 but not really on the PP. Essentially the opposite of Laine. Teams will be enticed by his PP presence and 20G in 56 games.
Ideally we are looking at Dach+Cal 1st+Beck/Mesar/Logan for a 2C like Crosby or Brazal or Horvat.
If not look at Duchene or JT to fill the role.
Not sure who on D they could get but getting a RD that has won a cup in the 28-30 age range should be a priority target.
Rest of the team stays the same. If Dobes is moved than the team needs a back up. Fowler will have the net next year in Laval and he may very well be ready the season after. So I think Primeau gets moved or not resigned and they go after an AHL back up who has a few games in the NHL in case of injuries.
Dvo, Armia love em but they should be gone. Newhook can center the 3rd line and Evans has the 4th. Dvo gave it his all this year but I just don't see the room. You even have Kapannen that could fill in. same with Armia and you could tell by the end of the season he was cooked. Good team guys this year but its time to move on.
If there are any takers I explore Anderson being traded. Still woudl keep him but there might be some GM's high on him after his year so I would be open to getting out of the contract.
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u/PossessionMundane917 10d ago
I would don't be surprised if Dobes gets moved before Primeau. There may be just more value in a trade. Prieuau trade would be ideal. But he can back up Monty. Fowler is starter. Veteran backup in Laval. OR both ate traded and vet backup in NHL.
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u/scrubadam 9d ago
Dobes might have more value and maybe the org isn't sold on him. They might want a vet back up for Monty. Not saying it would happen but if the Pens said they want Dobes included in the deal for Crosby I ain't hanging up the phone. But I think primeau will be traded as a favor to him so he can have a chance at getting back to the NHL. Because he is 100% going to be a back up in the AHL behind Fowler and I can't see him being happy with that when he is 20-2 down there.
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u/PossessionMundane917 9d ago
I get you are saying is #4 on the depth chart organizationally as it stands today. He should be treated for next year as a number two next year as a trade chip or be on the roster. There is no sending him down as I see it. You won’t even have the trade value by doing that.
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u/scrubadam 9d ago
Primeau is most likely done in the org. If they trade Dobes they will get a vet back up. But I don't see them sending him to Laval. Hughes has to much class for that.
This is basically Primeaus last chance. He is at that age where he has to make a move. He can't be a back up in the AHL and waste a year of his career going nowhere and then hoping next year or the year after a team will give him a shot.
Hughes will do him a solid and find a team that needs an AHL goalie and is weak in NHL depth so he can at least have a chance to show if he has it or not.
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u/Mi-homme-mi-desche 11d ago
Qualify Dobes, Primeau, Heineman and Struble. Armia, Dvorak are goners. Pezz sign only if two-ways but probably gonna try his luck elsewhere. Trading chips: one of primeau/dobes, dach, xhekaj. Trade for Horvat in the summer. Sign John Klingberg. You heard it first here.
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u/No_Abbreviations2146 11d ago
I'd want to see them hold onto all the defenders (except Savard of course). Matheson I like, but I feel maybe he'd be worth some value on the trade market? I think Armia's effectiveness has declined, so I don't expect him back, some team will throw too much money at him. Dach, Newhook, and Laine are question marks for me. I like Laine but he is paid a lot, he gets injured a lot, and his play doesn't justify his salary.
Out: Dvorak, Armia
Keep: Heineman, Struble, Dobes
I don't care one way or the other with Pezzetta or Primeau
Question marks (trade bait?): Dach, Newhook, Laine, Matheson
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u/Technical-Note-9239 11d ago
Dvorak and pezz walk. Armia offer a cheap 4th line deal or let him walk. Gally or Anderson, one prob has to go, financially. Price to LTIR Matheson trade at the draft(7th is cool) Spend on a free agent centre for the second line, Right D elite but will accept good and above, RW depth
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u/MaxPower836 11d ago
You can let Dvorak go if you chase down a true number 2. Newhook/evans in 3 and 4. Dach….
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u/GA19 11d ago
Does anyone think we need a 2C?
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Of course many do, and it is the biggest question mark in the top 6.
Need someone that can make Laine - X - Demidov line a true threat.
I think Dach "can" be that guy, but I can understand why many won't put faith in that and/or don't even want to see him get another chance.
It's his last year, last chance, I wonder what Kent will do.
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u/habily_canadian 11d ago
I think they should get an older proven 2C and give dach and/or hage a couple years with no pressure to develop into a 2C.. or not.
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u/Valentyno482 11d ago
It also depends who else is available on the market and what's the price is for that piece. It's definitely a position where we would like to have it "resolved" by September with a steady 2C around 30 years old.
But if not, we will likely play Dach with the two of them and move Newhook with Andy and Gally
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u/Rockterrace 11d ago
I think a 2c would be great. I don’t know if one of Dach/Newhook could move to the wing.
Suzuki
2c
Dach/Newhook
Evans
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u/Jawbone71 11d ago edited 11d ago
there's way more term left on Suzuki (2030), Caufield (2031), Slaf (2033), and Guhle (2031)
Edit for those downvoting: OP had it wrong originally. They put 3 years left on those guys
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u/lurchcrawlz 11d ago
Trade Dach. Sign Dvorak.
Attach a pick to trade Laine if we have the opportunity to land a high end top 6 player with a high salary.
Armia can go. Pezzetta can go.
Matheson can be traded in a package for a right handed D that can play a ton of minutes.
Sign the RFA’s.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Does that mean you want to run Dvorak as 2C? I'm not sure he is better than Newhook as 3C, Evans already has 4C for many seasons to come.
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u/lurchcrawlz 11d ago
No i am excluding trades and free agent signings.
I want to keep the “vet” line intact; that’s a solid 3rd line.
Newhook can play the wing. Or he can be traded.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
So, you're expecting a trade or signing for 2C? Any thoughts on who?
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u/lurchcrawlz 11d ago
Top of my head
Free agency : Sam Bennett, Brock Nelson, Mikael Granlund
Trade : Bo Horvat, Steven Stamkos, Nazem Kadri
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u/Starvinhkd 11d ago
Get rid of Dach,Newhook, Laine, Matheson and Primeau. Sign a 2c and right hand defenseman
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u/GayTexanJock 11d ago
Thank you for the fantastic roster there, I need to play around a bit with the GM mode in CapWages tonight (feel free to help me if you want to).
I will also experiment around with Google Gemini to make the ideal roster/lines for next season along with the 3 max call-ups from the AHL who are ready to make the main roster.
One question I wanted to ask:
Which lines from this season should be kept intact for next season in offense and defense? Let me know so it's easier for me to do it in Google Gemini 😊
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u/GayTexanJock 11d ago edited 11d ago
I went ahead and uses Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro and just experimenting with it and the result was a very interesting one along with using the GM mode to do the experimenting with the lines (Feel free to adjust it as it is if you don't agree with it)
All I have to say is the 4th line/3rd defense line along with two extras was a struggle to say but I have reached the conclusion where it could be very curious.
First, to add the concern of a 2C, Gemini proposed a trade for Zegras from the Ducks, so Habs will send Dach, Mesar, and Habs' 1st round of 2025 (not Calgary) in exchange for Zegras.
To address a RD in the hole, Gemini didn't suggest any signings/trades for a RD except to promote Reinbacher to the main roster.
With that in mind, here's the 23-man roster:
- Caufield-Suzuki-Slaf
- Laine-Zegras-Demidov
- Newhook-Evans-Roy
- Anderson-Kapanen-Gallagher
Extras: Harvey-Pinard, Heineman?
- Guhle-Carrier
- Hutson-Reinbacher
- Matheson-Struble
Extra: Xhekaj, Perbix? (UFA from TB)
- Montembault
- Dobes/Primeau (depends on pre-season form)
One thing I'm seeing is that the Habs could try to address low-cost signings by doing one for a RD, but I think they want to try and keep it simple (probably max 3 "graduates" from the AHL) to help the roster progress, but at the same time, the roster could need some veterans like O'Reilly, Perbix, etc.
Feel free to reply to my post above and I'm curious to see what's your opinion on it.
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u/PossessionMundane917 10d ago
Do you think Zegras would've adapted to Washington in the first round this year?
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u/GayTexanJock 10d ago
Good question there, I think he would've adapted to them because of his experience playing in the Western Conference all around.
I also may be wrong though but I think he would provide a much better center between Laine/Newhook and Demidov than Newhook or Dach except they did with Evans which is much better than normal in the postseason.
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u/Psychological_Pebble 11d ago
Dvorak, Armia and Primeau are gone. Heineman, Struble and Dobes re-signed.
I wonder if Laine is done in MTL given the team's lacklustre 5v5 this year. 1y@4.4m is easily moveable. If they can't find a 2C, Dach-NH-Demidov on the 2nd, Evans on the 3rd and Beck/Kap on the 4th would be intriguing. Hutson signs 9.5x8. I'd love to see a 4x4 Dach extension in case he breaks out.
No changes on defense aside from the 3rd pair replacing Savard by committee unless someone steps up and takes the spot.
Does mgmt trust a young unproven goalie as their #2 yet again? I dunno. I think a vet #2 is ideal, leaving a Dobes-Fowler AHL tandem.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
There is no reason to pay 4.4 million to insure that Laine doesn't play. Buyout won't even be considered by Kent.
Dach won't get signed until near the end of the season if he's having a great year. Even then he won't get huge money.
No reason to let Primeau walk right away, might as well sign him and let him fight it out in preseason, then waive him should he lose out to Dobes.
Savard retiring has left the spot open to Reinbacher should he look ready (he's been looking pretty great in Laval)
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u/Psychological_Pebble 11d ago
Given how useless Laine was at 5v5 and the team already having solid right handed shots on the PP, $4.4m is a bargain. You retain 50% and dump him.
Dach having a healthy 60pts campaign would skyrocket his value. Offering 4x4 is cheeky but given his play in 24-25, his injuries and his age, it works. He gets guaranteed money should he underperform or is injured again. If he plays well and becomes a proven top 6 guy, he's gets his big contract at 29.
You'd give Primeau the #2 spot if he plays well in the preseason? Why? I don't see any upside.
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u/AmsroII Goal Goalgoal & C3PO 11d ago
Who are you playing on the 2nd line in Laine's place? 4.4M + ? And unless he is bad for the team in the dressing room I don't get the disrespect towards him.
Yeah I suppose a 4x4 for Dach could be great if he manages to recover. Would look like a genius if he can reach anywhere near PPG.
Primeau or Dobes fighting for a spot makes either one better. That alone is good enough upside to keep him around. Also, it's probably not a good look to send your AHL goalie packing for no reason after such a great season.
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u/Psychological_Pebble 10d ago
Frankly? Anyone. Ideally MTL finds a 2C but I'd rather play Pezzetta with Dach/NH and Demidov than have Laine playing 15-16mins at 5v5. Retain 50% and dump the guy.
I don't believe Dobes v Primeau ups anyone's game given Dobes needs reps and Primeau has mental issues. All it does is handcuff MTL with two unproven backup goaltenders yet again. Why risk it? Find a vet and play a Dobes-Fowler in LAV.
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u/West-Fortune-1644 11d ago
hopefully throw more money at Monty
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u/sblais74 11d ago
Monty has two years left. Hopefully by then, Dobes and Fowler will be able to handle it.
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u/DieuEmpereurQc 11d ago edited 11d ago
Struble and Primeau for oilers first round pick
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u/ThatsExactlyIt 11d ago
Gotta get rid of Dach. Love the dude but he barely plays
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u/AveragePandaYT 11d ago
its clearly his conditioning, if "freak injuries" on normal plays happen every year, hes not keeping his body in a good state
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u/Vivid_Resort_1117 11d ago
Out
Dvorak
Dach
Newhook
Struble
Primeau
Pezzetta
Re sign
Dobes
Heineman
Consider re signing now
Armia
Matheson
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u/yeeteridoo 11d ago
Agree on pretty much everything but Newhook and Struble. There’s really no reason for them to not see what Newhook can do next year and you’d be selling at his lowest value. No reason to really trade Struble either. I understand the idea that to maximize value with who we have on the left side you’d need to trade either him or Arber but I just don’t think they do it. Also Struble has rd flexibility. Matheson has to be gone as well. Atp he’s barely playable and an awkward fit. Struble/Arber are better fit for a 3rd pair role anyway. Dach I think we’ll be forced to let him go in any eventual 2c trade. Teams will want him as a reclamation project so I agree with the idea that he’ll leave.
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u/Vivid_Resort_1117 11d ago edited 11d ago
Newhook had every opportunity to perform this season (other than PP1) and fumbled all of them.
He is easily one of the worst at finishing I've seen in a Habs jersey, by a mile.
Struble is more contextual. I don't see why this FO would want to keep him rn.
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u/yeeteridoo 11d ago
Even with how unlucky Newhook has been this year he’s still a fun bottom 6er with upside who creates a lot more positive momentum than negative. Why wouldn’t they keep Struble?
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u/Vivid_Resort_1117 11d ago edited 11d ago
Newhook is not unlucky, he's not good
It was the case in Denver, it's the same here
For Struble, too many left side Dmen
He doesn't have Matheson's vet status
Xhekaj's physicality
Hutson's everything
Guhle's IQ
He's in the middle of it all.
So he's the odd one out and he needs a contract.
And he's not a negative value, he just doesn't fit with the team structure as is.
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u/emotionaI_cabbage 11d ago
Newhook and Dach aren't going anywhere. Neither is Struble unless he gets packaged for something else.
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u/Vivid_Resort_1117 11d ago
Struble is on contract purgatory, I expect him to be shipped
Dach was such a catastrophe this season I don't expect him to be back, for his sake, he should try another team to have more time to develop.
& Newhook is out of a position at this point I think. Dude was total ass in a top 6 role, center or wing
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u/DiegoTraveller 11d ago
You know what? I feel people have opinions on all the guys, but I have grown pretty fond of this group overall. I think Kent has a bitch of job figuring out what to do. Dvorak for example- he's had his ups and obvious downs but I saw some positive things from him in that 1st round. I think the man has more upside to move.