I can't find it now, but earlier today I saw a quote that Drouin would be willing to go back to the center ice position this year if he was asked to. According to Hockey Reference, he hasn't played center much since his first year in MTL, in which he only won 42 percent of faceoffs... sure, that's not very good, but there's always room for improvement. Jesperi wasn't much better, and the stat can sometimes be a bit overrated; they didn't win the Cup, but the Rangers went to the finals/conference finals with one of the lowest face off percentages in the league, just for an example.
Burgervan of course does not match the overpaid troll offer sheet, and Drouin replaces Jesperi as the 2C, and they now can get 3million dollar Armia off of the 4th line. They start the season with this lineup, and see how it plays out. Throughout the year, try Poehling in the 3C role, and just generally switch around Evans, Poehling, and Pacquette in the 3C and 4C spot. If needed, there is cap space left over for a rental or a mid-year trade if this is all really not working out. But, with not much coming off the books next year, I think it is best to leave some cap on the table for Suzuki's extension next year.
Burgervan can also consider signing Staal for depth and/or another 3rd pairing defenseman for Romanov with the extra space if need be. But unless they can offload one of their wingers, I don't think going for Dvorak or someone will be very smart considering not much comes off next year, and Suzuki should be signed to a nice extension... then, Caufield the next year
There is a good chance Montreal doesnt even make the playoffs this season- by no means a sure thing. Happened to Dallas the year before, and with that messed up schedule last year a few teams will take big slides- or big moves up with the return to a balanced 82 game schedule (*fingers crossed).
Even with KK, the Habs centers was among the weakest in the league after losing Danault....and Bergevin adds more small wingers in Hoffman and Perrault? I think his lucky streak ended, and now theyre going to take a step backwards. Staal would help, not sure what offers hes getting, but one of him or Zajac/Bozak on 1yr deals is needed to get them into playoff contention.
Drouin went on to say " but that is not a viable option". So Drouin himself knows that it is a bad idea but somehow Montreal's management will think it is a great option?!
Drouin went on to say " but that is not a viable option". So Drouin himself knows that it is a bad idea but somehow Montreal's management will think it is a great option?!
Ah, I didn't have a lot of time and just saw the headline/blurb about it. Well thanks for clarifying
... now we can go back to trading him for a 2C : P
Ah, I didn't have a lot of time and just saw the headline/blurb about it. Well thanks for clarifying
... now we can go back to trading him for a 2C : P
Sorry for the bit of sarcasm kind of been a long day for me lol. My hope is that Montreal matches and makes KK earn his money. Even if he truly wants out he will have to raise his value enough for other teams to be willing to trade for him and as such our return would be better than the late 1st and 3rd anyway.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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