I don’t think anyone in the NHL actually thinks montreal is good.

I mean toffoli and edmundson signed in mtl cuz they saw their potential after only making it to the first round in the bubble. Staal agreed to be traded to mtl even tho they werent on his trade list (granted he probably just wanted to be anywhere but buffalo). Definitly not the most talent team out there but they got a good system and a winning mentality and maybe hall is just the kind of player they need

Also we’re talking about Hall. The guy who thougjt going to BUFFALO was his best shot at winning this season

The other thing Montreal has going for them in a Hall signing is at 13 he moved to Kingston, Ontario and became a Habs fan through his teen years. His mom still lives in the Kingston area as well. Does this mean he will sign in Montreal? No but it does give him incentive.

To add to my above comment he still spends his off seasons in the Kingston area and organizes many events for the community. Here are a couple of links from past events.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4838767/taylor-hall-kingston-hockey-tournament/amp/&ved=2ahUKEwji1pea4NLxAhWeAp0JHSwlAHoQFnoECFAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1-hlDKdBZE71M9Qxp-Zcxs&ampcf=1

https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/home-is-where-the-heart-is-for-taylor-hall/c-292261510

https://kingstonfrontenacs.com/event/taylor-hall-charity-ball-hockey-tournament

No one will give up a 1st to take Drouin, he's a project and his cap hit is too high even with retention.

Possibly.. Maybe mtl can throw in a 2nd? But i think edm is gonna look for a player that can play with mcdavid on the wing and drouin wouldnt be a bad pair with mcdavid. This way they dont have to overpay a free agent and drouin has the speed and skill to play with mcdavid and at only 4mil a year isnt a bad price

I think it would be later if they strike out in FA, I think they really want to keep their 1st this year and take Cossa.