Team Explanation
This would be my sort of rebuild and possible signings for this summer because we all know Tavares is not coming to Montreal. In this case I also include the dream of picking first and getting Dahlin but if not, we would need to find some other solution on the left defensive side. I used the season 2017-2018 for the settings but I added players from the summer signings and also ajusted the salary cap to 78 M. First I will explain the trades and afterwards the signings.
Trade number one:
The reason for this trade is that N-Y will not be able to resign Nelson, Tavares, Bailey, ect. Therefore, they are open to trade Nelson. The reason why they would accept this trade is that he is not having a good offensive season so his value is down and N-Y are horrible defensively. Sending to defensive style forwards and one of the best shutdown center in Plekanec, they will have a better chance of making the playoff and even if they don't sign him back, witch they might to a low salary contract, they will have De la rose with a similar Defensive potential. They also receive a young player that has proven to be able to bring some offence but lacks consistency. Montreal also retains half of his salary since N-Y are close to the salary cap. Montreal also take's on Kulemin contract for the remainder of the season since he is always injured but can't be put on the LTIR, N-Y will be very thankful for this.
Trade number two:
This trade is one that will bring a second round draft pick to Mtl and help out the rebuild. The reason why Detroit would do it is because they have a lot of young players that their contracts are over this summer. But they do not dispose of a lot of free cap room. By doing this trade, they get rid of a heavy contract that Montreal can take on with the free cap room we have. We also send an old first round prospect (2013) that hasn't really lived up to his potentiel that can maybe get a second chance in Detroit.
Trade number three:
This one is the big trade. Montreal need's to go in a new direction and we need to change some high value players. Pacioretty is the player with the highest value and the best contract to trade. I have 2 different trade options but I chose the first one. Anaheim are stacked up offensively but they have an ageing core witch they have a limited time to win the cup with. They have a lot of prospect and a incredible center line but they lack on quality wingers with Perry production getting lower and lower. This trade offers a very good center prospect, a veteran that Montreal can try out in the middle and maybe resign this summer and 2 high draft pick over 2 years that will allow to rebuild Montreal's prospect pool.
The second trade option would be with Nashville : Eele Tolvanen, Scott Hartnell, 2018 first and 2019 second round picks. The reason why Nashville would do this trade is that they have a 2 year window before Ellis and Rinne contracts are over (and Rinne older) but they have almost all the pieces in place to win a cup before then and Pacioretty would be the final piece to complete it. The price is high but a just one for Pacioretty and his contract. Montreal would get in return a elite prospect the is on his way to a 50 pts season in the KHL at 18, a old winger to help out Nashville with the cap and a first and second round pick over 2 years that could be an other good prospect.
Trade number four:
This trade is considering that Vegas are going to make the playoff and will need some character players on their fourth line that will help out in the playoff and Shaw would be a ''elite'' fourth line player with a lot of experience in the playoff. Vegas have a lot of free cap room this years and the next to come and would not mind his contract. Also, his contract was made in a way that the first 2 years pay more then the other years, therefore Vegas will actually be paying less salary then his cap after the third year. Montreal gets a second round pick in 2019 and a fourth round this year in exchange that will help the rebuild.
Trade number five:
Schlemko experience in Montreal is not working out so far and will look to free up from his contract and get any pick in return. Pheonix will need some puck moving defense since they will lack in the department when they will trade OEL. They send Henley because they have 50 contracts already and a fourth round pick that Mtl would like to have.
Signing:
-Tyler Bozak: He is definitively not John Tavares but he is a right handed center witch Montreal lack of and he can be one of our 3 centers that can play on any of the first 3 lines. Toronto won't be able to keep him and a 3 year contract for his age could be good for both sides.
-James Van Riemsdyk: The reason why I believe he won't stay in Toronto is that he will ask to much money and/or years in his contract. Montreal need's a new goal scorer and he fits the perfect spot. Montreal has the money and are willing to give him 6 years.
-Rasmus Dahlin: Like I said, this is the dream. A man can always dream and I do believe with Pacioretty gone and all our injuries, habs will go down in the rankings.
Salaray cap wise this would work, of course you would need to add a few millions to players like Danault and Nelson and some minor raises to a few players, plus Price's new contract. But with 17,5 M free in cap room next season outside the addition of Bozak and JVR they can make it work. In the end, Montreal ends up with a few more quality picks, some good young prospect and finally 4 natural centers. It's not perfect but it's a step in the right direction. Montreal also receives a veteran center that if the try out this year works, he could be extended to a cheap price.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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