Not with that defense

Yes, if Viktor Mete steps up.

And if Reilly outplays Schlemko and Juulsen outdoes Benn. Both of which are likely. And Price does't need (for example) Nashville's D when he's on his game.

Tavares won't sign at Montreal.
Montreal won't be contender as long as Schlemko and Benn will be part of the top 6.

Close, but the reality is Montreal just won't contend. They need about 6 forwards and 5 defencemen and there is no one who will just give that to Montreal. They have zero centres and even with Tavares, they would have 1 centre and 2 or 3 wingers. Their defence is utter garbage and even if Mete exceeds what he is (Which is a solid puck moving defencemen who is very small and will get pushed around) they are still garbage.

Even Toronto's defence makes Montreal's look terrible. (Rielly is better then all of their defencemen, Dermott has more potential than Mete, Gardiner would be the best offensive blueliner on Montreal....etc etc)

Montreal should trade Price and completely start over this year. Trade everyone under 25 who they can move, for anything that is remotely fair. Webber and Alzner won't be moveable because they are worth half of what they make. Its a complete and utter **** show.

Tavares is rumoured to go there. Look at Hockey News free agency preview

Panthers aren’t trading Tippett, nor Borgstrom or Heponiemi unless the return is huge.

True, but the trade is very even for both sides. Florida still isn't gonna trade Tippett but if they would they could do this.

Even with Tavares you could miss the playoffs.

The Panthers or Montreal? Panthers will easily make the playoffs if key players remain relatively healthy

Alzner and Juulsen make a perfect 5-6 duo . If Mtl draft Hugues, Bouchard , Dobson or sign Carlson or via trade acquire a LHD .Problem is over . it's pricey for a 5th defenceman but as a duo its ok !

This thread is for Montreal.

I could easily trade Schlemko for a pick or something just to open up cap space to go out and get John Calson!

If Price is good, Montreal will go to playoffs, hands down.

What's the difference between Alzner and Benn? 3.5M?

They're a bottom 5 team without Price...and declining. Price can't save you anymore.