Habs fans are gonna come in the comments laughing at that offer and I don’t blame them. That’s a horrifying trade package for Petry + Anderson.

We don’t need LHD or bottom six player (Heinen). There’s literally no value for us

If Letang isnt coming back they need to target a younger RHD then Petry.

Like who?

No they dont. They need to target someone whos in the same window as Crosby. Petry is perfect.

That's ok - the trade is terrible. Would rather just pay Letang what he's asking for 5yrs, than have Petry for age 35-37 seasons.

5 years is way too long, I would rather take a risk on Letang for 5 than Malkin at 3, but I think giving them that much will cripple the team. When your that old you could drop off very quickly and we are already an old team. Old teams don't win cups. Especially with Sullivans speed system

Habs counter with dvorak for crosby 50% retaind

Didn't know we had a comedian in the house

Me and you both

I think you meant you would NOT take the risk, I get that.

I would - I think Letang will still be completely solid for the next 3 years, and very serviceable in the last 2. The last 2 really might not even matter when it boils down to it given the age of the rest of the core.

If there was a suitable replacement for him and the #1 D on the team then I would be more receptive. Klingberg is not, Petry is not. Now Malkin's offense I could see being replaced with someone else, and definitely better at face-offs.

Paying Letang (and Malkin) and removing some other salary would be the way they should go. Shed Petterson or Dumo, so POJ can play. Don't resign some of the bottom six and let a young guy take a spot.

I hope that both are back, but I'm not the GM

No I'm saying I trust Letang to play at a high level for 5 years more than I trust Malkin to play at a high level for 3 given his injuries recently and how into fitness Letang is. But overall I think it might be better to not take a risk on either. I love both players and am very sad to see them go, but with Malkin having to miss a lot of time due to injuries and other factors, I think the contracts might look bad in a few years. Overall I want them back, but taking emotion out of it I just don't know if it's smart. I don't think we can win another cup with this core, our best hope is to do a drastic retool around Crosby and Guentzel. I do agree Letang will be very tough to replace, but if we draft a good young D this year 1-2 years from now we could be contending again. I could also see us paying Letang and not Malkin, taking a risk of 1 bad contract is more managable than 2. I just think if we bring both of them back for what prices they want we won't be able to improve the team at all and will be stuck with an old team that makes the playoffs but get bounced every year. Overall though you bring up valid points.