Don’t think subban is in that category anymore.

One of your elite LHD

Nobody is trading for any of those guys. Subban coulda been had for relatively cheap as we saw him go for 2 seconds and a couple other minor pieces. No one wanted that cap hit. Similar for Weber, his contract means he’s stuck in MTL. 7 years is way too long. Pietrangelo is the only one with a slim chance at moving but I doubt STL moves him as they wanna keep him around and they’re all in this season.

New Jersey isn't about to trade Subban mere months after acquiring him, the Blues would very much like to re-sign their captain and even if they didn't they aren't about to trade him away when they desire another title and a big no thanks on Weber. Weber would immediately become our second oldest player and he has SIX YEARS left on his deal after this season.

This narrative about acquiring a RHD has gotten so blown out of proportion. It doesn't matter. Sure it would be better if we had one but it's not like it's the difference between us being a contender or not. Whatever it would take to acquire one wouldn't be worth it. Our focus should be on developing a stud RHD, not mortgaging precious assets to acquire one.

Think you may have to call Buffalo about their massive stock of RHD. There's a guy named Brandon Montour you might like . I think Risto would do well on Anaheim. Could get Brodie to play RHD but I think he hates Anaheim because of how much they got under his skin in that playoff round where ANA swept the Flames a few years back. Could sign Ceci in the offseason?

Don't think Weber is available except if they are out of the picture for a playoff spot comes TDL. Even then, i don't think they would move him..

IF they do, i think it would have to includes a first and a young NHL or prospect who's almost ready. Montreal is in reset, not rebuild so they need asset for now or really soon

Three things would have to happen around the trade deadline to make Pietrangelo available in a trade: the Blues would have to be outside looking in at the playoffs, Armstrong would have to lose his belief that the team is a contender, and the Blues/Petro extension talks would have to be dead in the water.

If all three happen, I think the Blues would look at the Mark Stone deal as the precedent: from the Ducks, maybe Zegras + 2nd or Steel/Mahura/Terry + 1st.

I think the more important question is.......but why?

I don't think any of those guys are even available atm. Not sure why this is even a question. There are plenty of available RHD, not as good as those 3 granted, available that actually make sense.

Just sign petro in FA with all that cap space

I agree with pretty much everything you wrote, however I feel like Weber's situation needed a little more context.

His contract does seem intimidating but at the end of the day it's not as bad as it looks. He's already making less actual money than his cap hit while still playing at a high level.

The term looks bad but he actually makes only $6 million TOTAL over the last 4 seasons of that deal. At that point his estimated career earnings from contracts alone will be over $130 million. I very much doubt that he will keep playing if he is no longer effective at that point.

To conclude, Shea Weber's contract is essentially 2 more years (after this season) and however long he is still effective after that.

I agree that it is extremely unlikely that he is moved again in his career, but his contract is not nearly as bad as it appears from the outside.

Exactly,

Exactly! In 3 years, he'll earn 3M, then 1M for the rest of the contract, the guy will most likely retire if he gets bumped to 7th D. Its not like he's leaving 7M each year.

Also, he plays like a Chara, his game is not build on speed - so age wont affect his game as much as it will affect Subban's game.

If he is bought out his cap hit will remain roughly the same. That’s the problem. Not the actual cash.

Honestly, I'd pass on all three of these. ANA needs to build towards the future. These players are all in their primes (or beyond their primes). The best answer for ANA's RD should come from a pick or a prospect

The point I was making was that you don't buy him out, he retires.

Either way we both agree he isn't getting traded so moot point really.