Ok... Ok. Even I think Pacioretty has a little more value than that. Not the grand haul Habs fans think, but most people consider Ryan a hindrance. Lajoie is a solid young defenseman but he's not the top pair lefty that Montreal wants for Weber. Couturier and Simmonds for Hoffman, Dzingel and White is interesting. Pleasantly (?) shocked to see that trade. Not sure what to think of it really, Couturier is a solid 2C and Simmonds is... Simmonds. A more skilled Burrows in my mind. A good Top 6 addition.

I'll actually be shocked if De Haan isn't re-signed by the Islanders and if he's persuaded to Ottawa. After the horrendous season, I'm unsure if any big name FAs want to come here. Good term, good cap hit, good partner for Karlsson though. I think anything north of 4m for Ceci is a bit high, despite any 'potential' people see in him. A full season with Chabot might help him reclaim some value that was lost this season.

It's a good looking team, but FA will hurt. Pacioretty and Simmonds will want a raise. Karlsson is getting north of 9m. Duchene might take a year or two more at 6m, but he's going to probably get a raise eventually. I'm also worried about the goaltenders. Anderson has his on and off years that seem to alternate. Condon looks to be the same, but he's a capable backup. They were both stuck behind a defense that was being led by a Karlsson recovering from foot surgery and a Ceci who was being overplayed and was put into undesirable situations for most of the year.

I guess it all depends how much Montreal is willing to get rid of him. I think things have soured irreversibly between him and Bergevin, and we should try to cash in. Also, the only thing stopping Ryan from being a solid top 6 is the injury risk. And the price tag. Perhaps if Ottawa retains salary (in the 1.5 mil range) or switches the pick for Pitts 2018 1st it can get done.