They certainly have the cap to sign UFAs. Though I kinda disagree with "poaching". Usually teams have to pay UFA prices for an offer sheet RFA...and then have to pay compensation too.

Well Monahan has been good for them, but I seriously doubt the Habs have him written down in their future plans.

The Habs only wanted him for the 1st Rd pick bribe.

It's a weak UFA group in 2023.

Though the Kuzmenko name looks interesting. Obviously guys like Pasta, Hovat, Larkin will probably not want a rebuilding team. But Kuzmenko seems like a guy who'll go to the highest bidder, no matter where.

So either trade or they do the slow burn rebuild and crap the bed for a couple more seasons.

I think it will be another year of facilitating trades for assets. I think theres a good chance that zaitsev ends up in mtl

Their D core looks set, they have 9 Nhler's signed for next year. Obviously one will be traded. I pick Edmundson because he serves the rental price, having the least amount of time left on the contract.

Based on the price reportedly out there i think they would be more than ok woth stashing him in laval for the year. Weve already seen hughes essentially buy picks so O dont think its much of an issue

I could see Horvat in Montreal. If a player signs for seven years, he has a to look at the team on the future. Not sure what contending teams can offer him a big contract so he almost has to sign with a team with cap. But signing guys to because you're the highest bidder, often seems like a losing proposition long term. But always interesting to see the what players and teams do in th4 off season.

Hovat will be traded and most likely the team trading him would want to resign him, if they have to pay the Canucks insane asking price.