Hurry. To offer an eight year extension next summer, the Habs have to acquire Hertl before this season starts.

I don't understand this idea that Hertl is going to make less on the open market than he is making right now.

1. Can’t offer 8 years
2. That doesn’t even come close.

I wouldn’t offer 3 years to chiarot. Depending on how season unfolds I would move him a TDL or if they remained healthy and think they can get into spring dance, I would move him after season.

Way too valuable to let go.

Think in terms of total dollars. Not cap hit.

I don’t dislike chiarot. I actually coached him many years ago. But as a coach of 23 years I’m a big believer in placing the D on their proper side. Just like Dom said he no longer wants Romanov on the right side.

It depends how the season unfolds, how Guhle, Norlinder arrive at camp next year. The rule of thumb is 2 offensive D, 2 defensive D, 1 heavy hitter and one Jack of all trades.

Chiarot & Savard will be good together in playoffs but over 82 games in season they might have difficulties as team adjust.

I know Dom and how he thinks, having worked with him in 2009 & 2013. I think Guhle and possibly even Norlinder might do 1 year in Laval. Depends on their camp and who’s in camp as well.

But I wouldn’t commit to 3 years to Benny

This is the lineup I really want to try. I agree with you full that I haven’t liked Chiarot on his off side. Edmundson, supposedly, has played entire seasons on the right.

Guhle and Norlinder in Laval are definitely possibilities, I agree there also.

Many people loved Romanov and wanted to give him a huge contract. Hopefully they saw how he still runs around. Yes he hits hard but he can be difficult to play with as a D partner. I strongly suspect he had it in his contract that if he came over he wouldn’t play in Laval but he should have been there all last season and this season. Some fans view it as a punishment but it’s actually to help his career. In fact all players should play 1 season in the AHL.

D I’d agree. And most forwards, but all? Suzuki? Caufield?
I see a huge difference between KK at 18 vs. Suzuki or Caufield at 20.

You could even add Crosby, mackinnon. But if it’s a universal rule for all players then no complaints. It would be good for all players to taste the AHL. obviously the good players only stay one year.

I worked with a player that made the NHL as an 18 year old. He went from $50 per week to $32500 US every 14 days. Half way through the season he wasn’t doing well away from the rink.

He called me at 1 AM saying he needed help. He ended up staying at my house for a week and my wife fed him. He’s still in the league, married with kids but he found it hard to go from junior directly to the NHL as an 18 year old.