Habs Season Thread: 2025 Playoffs

[GGpX]

Second problem: Let's assume Zegras is a #1 center, just for argument's sake. He isn't, but since we're chatting, let's have some fun, shall we?

What would be the realistic package needed we'd have to give up for a #1 center? Start with David Reinbacher and add. Probably continue with our #1 pick this year.

 

[habs25th]

Second problem: Let's assume Zegras is a #1 center, just for argument's sake. He isn't, but since we're chatting, let's have some fun, shall we?

What would be the realistic package needed we'd have to give up for a #1 center? Start with David Reinbacher and add. Probably continue with our #1 pick this year.

Of course you pass if that is the price.

I think Xhekaj and the 2 Monahan first is enough for him. They aren't selling high. Plus given they're trying to be the mean Ducks of 07 they probably overvalue Xhekaj.

 

[GGpX]

Okay, cool. Let's do that: Xhekaj, Winnipeg's 2024 1st and Calgary's 2025 1st for Zegras tomorrow. I don't think that's nearly enough, but let's go with that.

What's the rest of our top-6? Next year in training camp:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Newhook-Zegras-Dach

Is Zegras the player that puts us over the top? Because we have two years to figure it out with them, because if he's as good as the potential makes him out to be, we don't have long to work with. Both Zegras & Dach are going to be 26 year old RFAs in the summer of 2026 and, assuming both of them are awesome, they'll probably combine for $18M. Reminder: Gallagher & Anderson will still be under contract with us, while Newhook is going to be one year away from being in Dach/Zegras's shoes and looking for a long-term and high paying contract.

On top of that, the addition of Zegras will keep us out of the lottery permanently. There won't be any more high picks.

So, if Zegras is the player that could put us over the top, then sure, it might be interesting. Unfortunately, though, I don't think Zegras is that player and that assets required to obtain him aren't going to make this team better in the long run.

 

[GrandWazoo]

While I'm not comparing them as players, although their point totals are pretty similar, Suzuki & Zegras slot roughly at the same place on a good team: A #2 center.

I would pass.

Suzuki / Zegras is a no go

 

[GrandWazoo]

Okay, cool. Let's do that: Xhekaj, Winnipeg's 2024 1st and Calgary's 2025 1st for Zegras tomorrow. I don't think that's nearly enough, but let's go with that.

What's the rest of our top-6? Next year in training camp:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Newhook-Zegras-Dach

Is Zegras the player that puts us over the top? Because we have two years to figure it out with them, because if he's as good as the potential makes him out to be, we don't have long to work with. Both Zegras & Dach are going to be 26 year old RFAs in the summer of 2026 and, assuming both of them are awesome, they'll probably combine for $18M. Reminder: Gallagher & Anderson will still be under contract with us, while Newhook is going to be one year away from being in Dach/Zegras's shoes and looking for a long-term and high paying contract.

On top of that, the addition of Zegras will keep us out of the lottery permanently. There won't be any more high picks.

So, if Zegras is the player that could put us over the top, then sure, it might be interesting. Unfortunately, though, I don't think Zegras is that player and that assets required to obtain him aren't going to make this team better in the long run.

You’re thinking linearly, roster changes, the real question is whether Zegras is a top 6 piece you want in your lineup. For the record I think Dach is a top 6 center, but either him or Zegras could move to the wing for the team benefit.

We’re not tanking anymore so any arguments about how it hurts the tank doesn’t hold any value with me.

Suzuki-Slaf-Caufield-Zegras-Dach-Newhook starts getting interesting, still lack high end talent but there is so depth to it.

 

[GEEMAN]

Thoughts on Zegras rumors?? Should we make a move to get him? I know he’s out of favor right now, which is partially why I’m interested, we definitely could use more skills out front, and it feels like a buy low moment. If interested, what would be your realistic offer?

No fucken way for that primal Donna

 

[GEEMAN]

Okay, cool. Let's do that: Xhekaj, Winnipeg's 2024 1st and Calgary's 2025 1st for Zegras tomorrow. I don't think that's nearly enough, but let's go with that.

What's the rest of our top-6? Next year in training camp:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Newhook-Zegras-Dach

Is Zegras the player that puts us over the top? Because we have two years to figure it out with them, because if he's as good as the potential makes him out to be, we don't have long to work with. Both Zegras & Dach are going to be 26 year old RFAs in the summer of 2026 and, assuming both of them are awesome, they'll probably combine for $18M. Reminder: Gallagher & Anderson will still be under contract with us, while Newhook is going to be one year away from being in Dach/Zegras's shoes and looking for a long-term and high paying contract.

On top of that, the addition of Zegras will keep us out of the lottery permanently. There won't be any more high picks.

So, if Zegras is the player that could put us over the top, then sure, it might be interesting. Unfortunately, though, I don't think Zegras is that player and that assets required to obtain him aren't going to make this team better in the long run.

Zebras is Tatar

 

[Sal_Butera]

Thoughts on Zegras rumors?? Should we make a move to get him? I know he’s out of favor right now, which is partially why I’m interested, we definitely could use more skills out front, and it feels like a buy low moment. If interested, what would be your realistic offer?

Some perspective:

2-of Zegras’-3 ELC years were 60pts+

In the last 10-years, 8-players on ELC had higher PPG than Zegras - McDavid, Draisaitl, Matthews, Marner and Nylander being 5-of them

Zegras has his issues but that’s pretty damn impressive if you ask me…

MSL & Hughes both know him well, so if they trade for him, it’s with inside knowledge others may not be privy to…

As for offer, I mentioned last week if Eiserman, Demidov, Lindstrom are off the board when Habs pick comes up, I definitely see a repeat of Dach scenario of 9-12OA pick being flipped for Zegras.

 

[lecoqsportif]

I wouldn’t move two firsts. One, sure.

One of Harris/Barron/Struble/Roy/Beck etc. could added along with a 2nd.

But he appears to be a bit of turd. Why would Anaheim move someone of that calibre if there wasn’t a problem?

 

[habs25th]

By the way, considering no team has won a Cup in my lifetime without a real #1 center, good luck if that's your strategy. Doesn't need to be a high-end, elite center (See St. Louis with Ryan O'Reilly & Brayden Schenn as their 1-2 down the middle), but you need a real #1.

I don't think Dach's a center long term, I think he's a winger. Probably a fringe first line winger, but still. A useful player to hahave

O'Reilly was closer to a Suzuki than to a true bonafide number 1 center.

They had the best D in the league though. They're a good model for what we can realistically build.

When I ask you how we get a number 1 center and you say "draft him", that's a non-answer.

Only Celebrini realistically fits the bill in this year's draft and if we're drafting high enough to get one in next year's draft something went terribly wrong.

If we wait for the perfect scenario we'll be in perpetual rebuild like Buffalo. Zegras is as good as we'll get on the trade market. Time to pounce.

 

[lecoqsportif]

O'Reilly was closer to a Suzuki than to a true bonafide number 1 center.

They had the best D in the league though. They're a good model for what we can realistically build.

When I ask you how we get a number 1 center and you say "draft him", that's a non-answer.

Only Celebrini realistically fits the bill in this year's draft and if we're drafting high enough to get one in next year's draft something went terribly wrong.

If we wait for the perfect scenario we'll be in perpetual rebuild like Buffalo. Zegras is as good as we'll get on the trade market. Time to pounce.

This is why I’m advocating that some resources also be used to get (way) better in the bottom six. Evans has two goals. 2. Pezzetta and RHP aren’t NHLers.

I know we’ll need to be patient to get rid of Anderson and Gallagher, but maybe resources can be used to move Anderson. Armia-zombie’s contract can just expire. He can go back to Laval next year for all I care.

If we’re not gonna have an elite top 6, we’ll need a damn good top 12 and D group.

 

[Sal_Butera]

I wouldn’t move two firsts. One, sure.

One of Harris/Barron/Struble/Roy/Beck etc. could added along with a 2nd.

But he appears to be a bit of turd. Why would Anaheim move someone of that calibre if there wasn’t a problem?

Because Zegras simply isn’t a Pat “little ball of hate” Verbeek type player.

Recall, MB once saying I want players who hate losing and can’t sleep at night to which Subban responded “I want to win but I’m not going to lose sleep over losing”

Oil meet water…

 

[lecoqsportif]

Tank and draft 'em early.

Ship has sailed, I think.

To do that we’d need to dump Suzuki, Slafkovsky and Guhle for picks.

 

[Habsy]

Xhekaj and the 2 Monahan first?

That's insane and a hard no

 

[lecoqsportif]

That's insane and a hard no

We should be able to parlay two extra firsts (with additions) into two players.

 

[Habsy]

We should be able to parlay two extra firsts (with additions) into two players.

I'm not adverse to trading the firsts, I just don't think Zegras is the guy to do it for, no jam and a bad case of The Anderfucks

 

[lecoqsportif]

I'm not adverse to trading the firsts, I just don't think Zegras is the guy to do it for, no jam and a bad case of The Anderfucks

Would have to be mega. And I doubt such a transaction exists. It would have to be something like EDM trading Draisaitl because he won’t sign.

 

[Hoiles]

I wouldn’t move two firsts. One, sure.

One of Harris/Barron/Struble/Roy/Beck etc. could added along with a 2nd.

But he appears to be a bit of turd. Why would Anaheim move someone of that calibre if there wasn’t a problem?

Agreed. He has 7 points this year, the whole point of getting him would be to buy low (like Dach was).

 

[GrandWazoo]

I wouldn’t move two firsts. One, sure.

One of Harris/Barron/Struble/Roy/Beck etc. could added along with a 2nd.

But he appears to be a bit of turd. Why would Anaheim move someone of that calibre if there wasn’t a problem?

Obviously there is some risks, players of that skill level without risks are not available. Whether it’s worth the risk is the question.

 

[habs25th]

That's insane and a hard no

We need to trade those picks though. Calgary's is intriguing but they'll probably patch together a bubble team in the off-season. There is supposedly a big drop in the draft at about 20 so I view WPG's first as a second.

I just dont think Anaheim will sell Zegras for less.