Zegras

Anaheim passes

Certainly the wrong 1st in there as well

That doesn't get you Zegras.



As if Anaheim passes if that is MTL's probably top 5 pick, now you're being equally unreasonable.

I believe the statement was "No, you used the wrong pick"

Even so, Zegras is one of 13 centers drafted between 2010 and 2020 to put up multiple 60+ point seasons before age 23. Of the list of 13, 8 were taken before 6OA (approx where the Habs pick is) of the forwards taken 5-7 during that time span, Zegras has already eclipsed over half of them for career highs, and the ones he hasn't, he has paced in his age 20 and 21 seasons.

So is it possible Anaheim can select a better player than Zegras with the habs 24 1st? Yes, there's a minimal chance of that. There's a significantly larger chance that at best, it's a push, and more than likely, we get a worse player in the end. Anaheims not going to move Zegras unless there's a fair chance they win the trade, and a grab bag of lesser assets doesn't give them that chance.

Nah they said "pass" and "you used the wrong pick as well" implying that even if it was MTL's 2024 pick it was a pass.

In addition to a top 5 pick Anaheim would get Harris, Kidney and a 2nd... plus $5M in cap space to weaponize however they see fit. MTL was able to use their cap space to get 2 more first round picks out of Sean Monahan for example. Anaheim could sign a stud UFA with the help of those savings and have a top 5 pick in the system.

Edit: And perhaps I should consider Anaheims position a bit more, while that is good value maybe it still doesn't make sense. But from MTL's position, I would not expect an offer like that.

Nothing but respect for your edit. ANA is lacking top 6 wingers and #1RD. I believe that was the sentiment behind MTL’s pick being necessary. If we’re moving a need at top 6 wing, the return really has to make sense or we’re moving in the wrong direction altogether. Slaf, Rein, or MTL ‘24 1st are probably the only assets in that category that have a shot at being considered by both parties. If those are all a no-go for MTL thats all good, but it’d just mean Z is definitely off the table. We love him in ANA tbh, nobody wants to see him go