Stop with the trade rumors already...

(I previously posted this item on HIO 08/05)

For all the Hab trade rumblings on HIO that occupy these dog days of summer, have we taken a close look at which players BG would really want to part with, and why?

Please note that BG has already been responsible for more player turnover in this off season than any other team in the NHL. Then add in all the coaching and support personnel changes. It is possible that it may take the majority of this season, or longer, for the team to start coming together. Do we really think BG will risk even more upheaval?

Ok … knowing the above and still in a trade frenzy? Let’s review current players and try to get a picture of what BG may be thinking (easy … right?). Keep in mind … one common trait we share with Leaf fans… the tendency to overvalue our players.

On the O side:
Gomez – BG gave up a King’s ransom to obtain Gomez and will continue to pay similar for the duration of his contract. Gomez was, however, the catalyst to entice the remainder of this makeover gang. He’s not going anywhere in the foreseeable future unless there is another BG out there.

Cammy, Gionta, Moen – Would BG truly consider parting with any of these newly signed guns? After all, we fans do know how sufficiently difficult it is to entice & sign UFA’s in Montreal.

AK / SK – Both creative & quick, with AK an explosive scoring threat. Even the Sedins did not light it up until year #5. AK/SK likely go only as a matching set. If SK were to slide further back this year, all bets are off.

Lats – Size and soft hands. Is he quick & consistent enough for a #6 forward spot? Is it enough if upside is no further than solid RW support for Laps on line #3? No significant trade return today and Habs have invested heavily in Lats (+200 games), up to one last make / break season.

Laps – Significant improvement last year. Quick, plays with an edge, improved face-off %, and works hard, the type pf player JM needs as 3rd line centre. Not likely to be included in any potential trade.

Pleks – Continuous improvement first three years in the NHL, and then slid last season. Pleks remains a solid replacement for Koivu as 2nd line C in terms of both age & cost. Strong on both ends of ice. Likely a return to 65 – 70 points with quality line mates. There are teams seeking a 2nd line C … but a major pothole to fill if traded. (Some may likely protest and say “what about Cammy as C on 2nd line” … a JM decision, so possible. We do know one thing for sure … BG hired Cammy to score goals and he has done so at a premium rate from the left side.)

Dags – Has upside to #6 forward … but requires major work on play without puck, and there may be better #6 options (Lats / Max). Shoots right which is always in short supply in the NHL. Trade chip with limited return.

BGL / Metro – no interest from other teams for expensive pugilists requiring repair or waiver wire pickups. When functioning properly, both are valuable, effective and necessary pieces to provide a winning formula.

Chip – Can he secure the 4th line centre role? Needs improvement on the draw. Signed for one year … another make / break situation. A few teams would have at least some interest due to two way work ethic and leadership attributes. Scored timely goals in AHL, but not yet with the big club. A trade “chip” with limited return.

Stewart – Similar to, currently less than … Moen. Inexpensive LW option on line #4. Trade value minimal.

Max P – Our #1 prospect. Excellent skater /Power forward … no chance being included in a trade this year.

Maxwell – Looking for opportunity to showcase #2 C skills in Habville… or elsewhere. Good two way talent, and an effective playmaker. Limited return trade chip, sitting #6 on depth chart (Gomez/Pleks/Laps/Metro/Chip)

On the D side:
Markov – Absolutely not … our best player. Life was not the same for the Habs after Grabs hit.

Spacek, Mara, Gill … no possibility of early trade … newly signed UFA’s. See Cammy, Gionta, & Moen.

Gorges - ever improving / great value / versatile / limits mistakes / brings leadership. A key #5 D who has top four upside. One of BG’s better trade returns. Not likely a trade consideration.

OB – forget the turtle move, own goal and purse snatching … take a closer look; this big D can skate, hit & clear the net… Habs likely better keeping him in a low pressure situation this year to determine if he can improve on defensive lapses and gain confidence. BG signed him 3 years for a reason. Not likely a good trade return today.

Weber- devastating RH shot, power play specialist, poised on ice demeanor, and versatile. There should be room for Weber in Habs lineup sometime this season. Trade option in 1-2 yrs, depending on PK’s growth.

Hamrlik – was mentoring presence in Calgary for Phaneuf. Excellent 1st year for Habs and a less than, but better than most, past season. A quality top four D. Third highest paid player on team. Habs now have other LD options to play # 3 or 4. Yes, a possible trading card, but expensive… so return may not impress … cap space or draft pick.

PK Subban – Much excitement / potential for this prospect. Closer up the pipe than McD was, no trades in sight.

Carle – decent young RHD currently sitting #10 D on depth chart, behind starting six, OB, Weber, and possibly PK mid season, and who has already requested a trade. At some point BG may move Carle to best service both Carle and Habs interests.

Goalies:
Price- Highest draft pick since 1984. No chance BG would consider him trade bait for next two years.

Halak – Upside to #1 goalie and proven with opportunities. Solid backup option for Price. Do Halak and agent feel he might be better positioned as number #1 potential somewhere else… probably. Habs signed Sanford for AHL role only, not as #2. Although Halak may think about a change of scenery, not likely until Habs have a better #2 option… and he is only RFA after this upcoming season.

To summarize, there does not appear to be compelling reasons for BG to move any current every day player, and no major bargaining chips if he were to want, for example, to change a 2nd line center or add #6 winger. If BG is not bargaining from a position of strength (see Gomez trade) then likely to pay more. Having said this, there are numerous trading chips further down the depth chart. The Habs are rated #2 in prospects. (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/teams/montreal_canadiens) It is possible that one or more of these assets, along with an every day player, may be in the mix by trade deadline, if the Habs are in the thick of a playoff race.

Thoughts?