I think MTL should try to trade Shaw, Schlenko, Benn, Tatar, Petry and Hudon. They will forget the playoff this year and draft a good prospects. Maybe next summer, try to sign a UFA....

Trade Petry for a bunch of great assets (close or even to Patch's value) and try to get a first for Tatar. Schlemko, Alzner, Benn, Shaw, Kulak and Hudon should be traded. Just have to wait for the lottery and wish for a top 3 pick and then draft Kakko. Sign a great LHD during the summer. There you go:
Drouin-Domi-Suzuki
Armia-Kotkaniemi-Kakko
Byron-Poehling-Gallagher
Lehkonen-Danault-Chaput

???-Weber
Reilly-Juulsen
Mete-Brook

As a habs fan I see what ur saying but it's not that easy to just intentionally tank, especially in a in a city like MTL. The fans won't accept it. Sure u can trade SOME players that have somewhat value, but I'd prefer to do it at the draft tbh. Guys like Petry and Tatar can get u a good return. The teams playing well now and we're in a PO spot. Keep it the way it is. For rn atleast

I think it all comes down to the TDL. If the team is close to a wild card spot, they will go for it. I would think MB would be a buyer but only pick up players similar to 2 yrs ago with the likes of 4th liners and no home run pick ups.

If they are on the outside. Then I would sell of players like Benn, Schlemko(maybe) and maybe a LW so that we can stock up on picks in a great draft class coming up. (Take the same approach as last draft and try to pick up players like Olaffson whom have fallen down the board).

No matter what, you should never want your team to lose. Playing well and making playoffs is nice but it also gives more experience to the young leaders currently on the team. Sure a top pick is amazing but you shouldn't purposely tank for that. In hockey nothing is guaranteed... not the pick, not the player, not the standings. You play and try to win until it's all over.

That being said, if Habs aren't in a playoff spot come the deadline, there player we could sell to get assets. We just shouldn't be making any costly moves that helps us make a run to the cup. I want longevity with this team, not a quick fix