I think the real problem is the organizations lack of transparency and long term vision. Are we rebuilding or are contending? MB and Molson don't to commit to either. The just want the status quo with little improvements here and there.

Half the fan base thinks we should be going all in while Price is here and the other is thinking we should trade these types of players in order to rebuild a younger core. Both have merits, regardless of what I believe. I doesn't have any merit is trying to please everyone and be right smack in the middle.

So no, we don't have to trade Pacioretty. Or should I say we shouldn't have been in this predicament where we have to move him.

Molson and MB don't want championships. They want to just compete and sell tickets and beer while staying moderately competitive as to not ruffle any feathers and keep fandom at a even keel.

So right now, yeah, the Habs have to trade Pacioretty. Just for all the wrong reasons.

It is a sad situation and we were doing great until we lost Radu and Markov. I don't think there is any going back at this point but as a fan I'm excited for the future, specially with another top 10ish draft. They can try to compete all they want but we all know it's going to be a rough year. Just do what Toronto did... Didn't turn out so bad.