Just can't see a trade happening to bring PLD to MTL into the season.
To make it work MTL would have to move multiple roster players with sizeable cap hit's to fit Dubois NOW, but the type of players (Byron and Kulak) that would need to be added hold probably very little interest to CBJ. Not to mention guys like Byron and Kulak, even if they hold little value on the trade market, are still crucial depth pieces that MTL don't want to give up and sacrifice, as they are a team built on team depth.
And Kotkaniemi, imo, is the only centerpiece asset MTL would be ok moving for Dubois (which doesn't even mean CBJ would be interested in). Suzuki is one of the few players I'd keep as untouchable with regards to a Dubois trade.
People saying to move Danault need to understand that MTL, who are competing to win NOW, can't afford to move him. Even if it makes more sense to move him cap wise or long term. Danault is the Habs Selke-type shutdown top 6C, and as good as Dubois is now and will be in the future, he is nowhere near that yet. MAYBE, come trade deadline if the Habs are out of the playoff picture (I doubt it) Danault becomes movable, but I don't see it.
If Dubois remains on the market come the offseason, MTL have a lot more room to wiggle cap wise to give CBJ what they are asking for and fit Dubois under their own cap. (guys like Armia coming off the books, Expansion draft selection, Allen becoming $1.5mil cheaper, Alzner's buyout cap hit going down by $2mil, etc).
EDIT: Roster is showing what the lines would be with Dubois in 14day quarantine...
I hope to hell they wait cause I think you will find if they wait they will no longer be interested as KK and Suzuki will pretty much make PLD to Montreal redundant.
I hope to hell they wait cause I think you will find if they wait they will no longer be interested as KK and Suzuki will pretty much make PLD to Montreal redundant.
I think I'm in the same boat as you.
The whole 14 day quarantine really overcomplicates everything too. It makes everything almost impossible to work out. That being said....one thing to keep in mind, MTL have a section of their schedule coming up (Feb 5 to Feb 19) that if a trade were to happen, they would only be short PLD for 4 games..... compared to any other time in the schedule where Habs would be short for 6-7+ games during those 14days....
Only 4 games of Poehling instead of KK isn't that bad when you think about it. and you already have replacements for Kulak/Mete or Byron and Armia for Perry/Frolik depending on who goes.
The whole 14 day quarantine really overcomplicates everything too. It makes everything almost impossible to work out. That being said....one thing to keep in mind, MTL have a section of their schedule coming up (Feb 5 to Feb 19) that if a trade were to happen, they would only be short PLD for 4 games..... compared to any other time in the schedule where Habs would be short for 6-7+ games during those 14days....
Only 4 games of Poehling instead of KK isn't that bad when you think about it. and you already have replacements for Kulak/Mete or Byron and Armia for Perry/Frolik depending on who goes.
I wonder if there is a plan for the deadline. Something like a player that was traded can still play for his original team while quarantining for the 14 days. It would be no different than giving your 2 weeks notice at work. Most people are honest enough to be loyal and put in 100% until their final day of work, why would hockey players be any different?
I agree with you that PLD won't moved this seasons. But this is an underwhelming offer, especially if KK doesn't progress this year. Byron at 3.4 X 2 is negative value.