Quoting: LumberJacques
The issue is that Couture hasn't really ever been his team's 1C, more of an elite 2C imo behind Thornton and/or Pavelski. Hell his best statistical season was 70 points in 18-19 (the same year Domi got 72) which doesn't mean that much considering Tomas Plekanec also had this mark as his best.
With Couture now in his 30's it must be expected that his play will begin to drop off, and with 7 years left on his contact it just doesn't seem like a smart idea to buy for maybe 1 or 2 years of good hockey.
Add in Vlasic, Weber and Price to the equation and imminent disaster seems the only destination within 2 years.
If adding an aging 1C is the idea I would rather target one with far less term left like Getzlaf or Kopitar (as unlikely as they are to accept a trade).
Quoting: J2W
It would be an amazing kick start to a rebuild but it's just a fun fantasy team, because it runs closer to impossible than unlikely. I think, based on your only justification of it being to say Bergevin is stupid, that the MTL deal doesn't happen, it's just too much cap for too much term, especially with the current cap outlook being shaky.
Generally I agree, but as I said I do not respect Bergevin's ability to build a team or evaluate talent. I also think that Couture is better than just his raw points would say and certainly better for you than either of the options you've provided. I also want to point out that Couture has been the 1C for a few years now and is a bonified 1C. He is no Matthews or Eichel or McDavid but he is a 1C through and through.
As I stated in the og thread where I justified this trade further I think Bergevin's seat is beginning to heat up (you certainly aren't sucking on purpose) and that both he and Molson are not interested in re-building. To further clarify for J2W, I also think Bergy would see Vlasic (especially at this much retention) as an asset as many people still do (mostly those who aren't analytically inclined). If you work from the idea that the Habs are trying to win now and want to buy, 'adding' Vlasic and more importantly that 1C you have been missing for so long could be seen as the piece that finally brings you over the top.
You argue that Price and Weber's contracts make this less likely but I actually see it the other way. Your team has two time bombs on it already that are going to weigh you down for years. What is two more if it helps you win a cup now? You have a window already pre-built into your roster and these players don't affect it. I think that is why I think this move does have some logic behind it even if I wouldn't do it as a GM.
Specifically for J2W, MTL doesn't have serious cap issues for a number of years and are in what I describe as a uniquely capable position of dealing with the Vlasic and Couture contracts compared to the rest of the league. The next USTV deal will be signed soon and Covid wont last forever so the cap should be bouncing up soon enough.
HabsForEver a aimé ceci.
Répondre
CapFriendly
CapFriendly