Quoting: Blasphem_Guy
I don't understand the Mtl trade. Why would Mtl replace a good centerman and a puck moving defenceman by older versions of the same thing?
Yes, I'm aware that PLD and Pionk are better than Dach and Barron, but there are no incentive for Mtl to be that much better next season : much of the expected D core won't be playoffs ready anyway.
I would say no to that trade.
I get what you’re saying, but we’ve seen similar trades from up and coming teams recently (specifically Ottawa). Dach is good yes, but Dubois is currently better (we can agree there from what you said) and dach’s ceiling is likely where Dubois is now so that’s one incentive. Also, Barron likely tops out at where pionk is as well. So it’s pretty much advancing that timeline. Again, that’s if the Canadiens want to compete now, which I honestly think they can.
I don’t think there’s much argument to the top six being ready so I’ll leave that out. As for the defence, I think a top 6 of
Edmondson-Pionk
Ghule-savard
Matheson-x (rotating until someone wins the job) is a playoff defence core. They just need a goaltender.
Basically, this move hinges on the Canadiens wanting to compete now, which is entirely up to them. I just wanted to explore that angle a bit. Most likely, we see a Dubois trade with dach coming back (either alone or with a small piece) or a draft trade with the FLA 1st, barron,+. Looking at the jets prospects and layout, those are the only pieces they likely are interested in.