18/19 Simple version (?)

I'm interested in hearing what Dallas fans think of this trade. Both are considered bad contracts but Alzner's is longer. Personally, as a Habs fan, I would do it, but I think there should be more coming from us honestly.

If there's more needed, it would be at the margins -- perhaps a 4th or 5th.

Good trade, I think. I like the signing of Stastny. Not enough of a De Haan fan to make that signing, but Jack Johnson, John Carlson and a few others would fit that hole nicely, though I'm seeing enough in Jerabek to wonder if he wouldn't make a good partner for Weber.

Stripping Max probably isn't really an option unless he asks for it to happen so that he can focus on his contract year. Which brings another question. Do you keep Max after next year or simply let him disappear? I also think Gallagher would lose some of his devil-may-care approach if he has to behave "like a captain."

Last point: wouldn't it be better to trade away Andrew Shaw if you're not going to use him?. I'd play him where you have Byron, but failing that, eating $1.5M and getting a good pick would be a better use than having nearly $4M parked on the 4th line.

I'm interested as well.
Alzner performing better in Dallas would be the hope, and if not it would be easier to "pass the buck" when he has less term after spending 2 seasons in Dallas.
They are buying low, since it is only costing them a bad contract.



De Haan might be a gamble, but he still has his prime and Weber as a partner should help as well.
Jerabek is another possibility, something we should get a better idea of once Weber returns this year.

Keeping Pacioretty is dependant on whether this all works. Taking the captaincy away maximizes the possibility of that happening. If it doesn't work, you want Pacioretty to be 100% focused on his performance and raising his trade value.
I like Gallagher for the C, but Weber is another option.

As for Shaw, this is intended to be simple and the beginning of the season. He'll play where he fits in best and he can move up the lineup if Hanzal or one of our wingers isn't cutting it.
Since he's cut out the shenanigans, he's been playing better hockey, so I'm okay with keeping him for now to give the younger guys time to stabilize. We have wingers to spare, so if a good deal comes along, we can consider moving him then.
There would be some shuffling to see who works best with the new acquisitions regardless.