Montreal declines for sure. Xhekaj is a very unique piece. I believe they should hold onto him unless he is in a package for a star.

What would they move Pezzetta for?

Totally agree. The problem is that he's not worth a star. Xhekaj has value because Montreal got him for free and he has the potential to grow into something great, that's why Montreal considers him an untouchable piece. However the price that it would take to move him is far more than he's actually worth and far more than any team would pay.

Montreal has a ton of wingers. I don't even have Pezzetta making their team. Wait until the season starts and you could probably get him on waivers.

So a 6th round pick would probably do. Montreal fans would need to chime in on this one though.

How's the above?. Changed it to Eddy - I understand MTL has excess LHD ?

how's the above value with Eddy? is buff +++ overpaying?

Pezz has been a really nice grit and grind player for Montreal as the roster has thinned out due to injuries but when it comes down to it he does not have a regular roster spot in 2-3 years when we want to start competing. If he's not going to be captain of Laval until he's 40 might as well ship him and add pieces to the rebuild while circumstance has raised his value.

He's not very valuable, but I'd say they aren't looking to move pezzetta, good locker room glue guy. They have arguably the deepest prospect pool in the NHL (in terms of depth not high end talent) so it's not like adding say a 3rd round pick or something is necessary.

Maybe if habs could add a guy like Deslaurier they would move pezzetta.

Pezzetta for a 3rd or 4th round pick
Armia for Deslauriers

Edit:
As others have said, Xhekaj not available, he's a rare type of player you don't look to move when you get.

You're confusing tougher with dirtier. This isnt a tough team to play against. This is a team that misses the playoffs and gets walked. Thing is, there's nothing tougher to play against than a team that is really really good lol

I think the value in that trade is very reasonable for sure. Montreal would consider it for sure.

It depends on who you ask, some Montreal fans think its a mid first and -a to b prospect, but it's probably closer to a late first. If Buffalo comes out swining next year and see's their first falling in the 20-32 range Eddy at half retained for that pick is pretty solid I think.

Way way too much LHD, could also make a swing at Jordan Harris if you wanted someone younger.

Hmm fair point.. maybe the above is too much - But some body contact can at least help. Do you hate all of the above? I honestly think the SEA trade would be a good fit since buff can absorb Driedgers cap hit in the offseason while LTIR isn't a thing, then put him on LTIR until healthy. He can then go down to Roch for a conditioning stint and either be traded/played depending on Levi/UPL situation at the TDL

If you want Edmundson a 2nd round pick easily gets it done IMO. They do have an excess of LHD:

Matheson
Guhle
Xhekaj / Harris

Even without Edmundson someone is playing on the right side.

Edit:
How about Edmundson & Rights to Tuch's younger brother (former 2nd) for a 2nd round pick & Nadeau (former 4th)?

I dont know much about Jordan Harris, but he gives me Jacob Bryson vibes and we already have 1 too many of those

There's no value in giving roster spots that could otherwise go to talented players to guys who are just big and throw cheap shot hits. That era died like 7 lockouts ago or whatever. Most playoff teams now are running 11 F and 7D cause a 4th line is just a waste. its more valuable to rotate those extra Fs in with the top guys.

Yes, the playoffs are tougher, and theres more contact. But thats because the top guys are playing tougher, cause theres more to compete for. The additional hits or contact isnt coming from no name goons. Its coming from talented guys trying to outwork each other.

Harris is beyond exceptional in no single aspect of his game but is solid at everything, if that makes sense. Montreal is trying to ship out LHD but what is Buffalo looking for right now? Pezz is definitely on the trade block if the right deal comes along, but what do you/Buffalo want?

A late 2nd and a late third ain't getting you edmundson

GMKA prob takes that. Tuchs production vs Nadeaus worries me though. Idk the comparative difference between the Q and the NCAA though

Yeah I'm not necessarily sure either and not really huge on Nadeau, however I think the habs would move on from Tuch for a Quebec prospect instead, bonus for Buffalo that they have Alex already.

Looking for either size or vet status 3 LHD and/or top 4 RHD

In short, yes.

Edmundson is currently around a 2nd/3rd, likely with conditions due to health concerns, and assuming 50% retention.
He had a down year, though his health and that of the team are mitigating factors. Montreal may see him as the odd man out (most Habs fans do). They will take the best offer regardless if that is the case.
A team acquiring him will be banking on him staying healthy and turning in a better performance. Buying low is the goal, so the return may come in slightly lower, or the conditions may be more stringent, but the time of him being worth a 1st (or more) is past, so it won't be higher.

Pezzetta is one of those players you love to have, but their performance or value are not actually anything special. Easily replaced unless you really need character guys in your room and probably maxes out at a 4th/5th value wise.

Who should have the roster spot instead then? Everything you say only makes sense if you have a better alternative - but we dont have the guys. My proposal is tough guys to compensate in the short term until our players develop. Our skill guys either cant play defence or would benefit most from top line minutes in Roch (olo, kulich, Savoie, Rosen). WHO exactly would you want playing 3RW or 4 LW in the above? Kulich? Olo? Some other trade target?

Maybe not in the near future but what about Mike Matheson? He's the guy Montreal is going to keep to teach the rookies like Ghule, Xhekaj, Hutson, etc how to succeed at the NHL level. However we probably won't resign him after his now 3 years are up, if you wanted a rental in 2025ish that's a veteran player, good offensively and defensively, and can use his size you could probably get him from Montreal.

Alternatively you could ask for Savard, cheaper contract at half retained and cheaper trade value to get him but you'd have to do it sooner. What's Buffalo's timeline right now to be a contender?

Playoffs - next year. Stanley Cup contenders - 2-4 years

Matheson will be too expensive by the time we are SC contenders. We need D now with contracts expiring in either 1-2 years or earning 3.5 mil or less beyond that. My hope is locking up Soucy for 3.5 for 4-5 years but I doubt he chooses Buf - hence my proposed trades for Eddy or Xhekaj